Fireworks Information & Safety

Fireworks are a summer holiday staple. The dazzling colors and entertaining displays draw countless people to local events across the nation. It is important to keep neighbors informed about firework shows so that they can prepare individuals who are more sensitive to the noise and chemicals (including animals who are also sensitive to firework displays):

Upcoming Firework Displays in Our Area

Whitemarsh Township

• June 29, Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, 9:45 pm (private event)
• July 1, Green Valley Country Club, 9:15 pm (private event)

Ambler Borough

• July 1, Kiwanis Club of Ambler at Wissahickon High School (public event)

Conshohocken Borough

• July 3, Conshohocken Independence Day, 9:30pm (public event) 

Norristown

• July 4, Norristown Farm Park, 8:15pm (public event)

Preventing Firework-Related Injuries

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people (primarily teens and children) are injured while using fireworks each Independence Day.  These injuries can include burns, cuts, permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment and even death. Additionally, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day during the year, half of these fires being attributed to mishandling fireworks. NFPA reports that, based on the amount of time and quantity of use, fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. 

Remember: fireworks may be legal, but they are not safe. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to watch displays conducted by trained professionals from a distance.

Firework Safety Tips

If you choose to use legal fireworks, be sure to follow the following safety tips outlined by the National Safety Council:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

Please be aware of the following requirements for igniting fireworks:

• They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner
• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.

Firework Safety for Pets

Animals, such as dogs and cats, can become stressed from the pop and crackle of fireworks. Some signs of a stressed animal include shaking, barking/howling, hiding, and/or erratic behavior. So what are some ways you can keep your pet safe from the stress of fireworks?

• Keep pets indoors
• Create a quiet, comfortable place for your animal such as a crate or specific room
• Keep pets away from fireworks, and store them in places pets cannot get into
• Take your pet for a walk before the fireworks begin to prevent accidents indoors
• Make sure pets are microchipped and have proper ID in case they become lost due to confusion
• Use a leash if you must go outside during fireworks, and immediately after fireworks as pets may be afraid to go outside afterwards
• Distract pets with toys or kongs during the fireworks to keep their minds busy
• Close curtains, blinds, and windows. Put on the television, air conditioner, or white noise machine to drown out the sound of fireworks and make the animal more comfortable.