Shapiro Administration Encourages Fireworks Safety

Harrisburg, PA - With this Fourth of July weekend representing a milestone in America's history, the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) is promoting responsible celebrations to prevent injuries and property damage from fireworks.​ State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is urging everyone to celebrate this occasion both smartly and safely.

For many Pennsylvanians, fireworks are a long-standing, enjoyable tradition, but improper use of fireworks can quickly turn tradition into a trip to the emergency room. Every year, preventable injuries and fires occur because basic safety precautions are ignored. As you celebrate, keep a safe distance, follow manufacturer recommendations for use, understand local laws, and leave the professional displays to the experts.

- State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook

OSFC emphasizes fireworks injuries are largely preventable and urges Pennsylvanians to follow these safety guidelines:​

• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or medications that can impair judgment.
• Supervise children: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers, which burn at 2,000°F, are the second leading cause of fireworks-related ER visits.
• Prepare for emergencies: Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby when setting off fireworks.
• Use protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• Handle fireworks properly: Never hold fireworks in your hand or place any part of your body over them when lighting them or when they are lit.
• Maintain a safe distance: Never light fireworks inside, near people, or near buildings.
• Dispose of fireworks safely: After using fireworks, wait 30 minutes before handling. Then soak spent fireworks, misfires or duds in water for 24 hours to reduce risk of reignition or fires.
• Keep pets safe: Keep pets indoors, close curtains or blinds, and provide background noise to reduce stress.​
  

Keep it legal. Pennsylvania's fireworks law allows anyone who is at least 18 years old to purchase, possess and use consumer-grade fireworks such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, and similar fireworks containing up to 50 milligrams of explosive material. The law sets penalties, including a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, for intentionally using consumer fireworks:

• on private or public property without the express permission of the owner,
• within, directed at, or directed from, a vehicle or building,
• directed at another person,
• while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or
• within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, whether or not the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks.
  

The law does not include ground and handheld sparklers, novelties, or toy caps, which are always permitted.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit the OSFC Fireworks Safety Website.

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