In less then two weeks Americans around the country will celebrate the Independence Day Holiday. Independence Day is synonymous with great food, friends and memories. However, July 4th is also known for something else – FIREWORKS!

 

At the bottom this article, find a complete list of firework shows in your area!

 

And while fireworks can be a great time and a sight to see, it is important to keep in mind that safety is always number one when it comes to July 4th and fireworks!

 

It is also important to know your localities laws. In the state of Virginia for example, there are laws when it comes to what kind of fireworks you can use at your celebration… sorry no mortars Virginia residents.

 

So what about Fireworks and your home? Keep Reading!

 

More fires on July 4th then and other day.

 

There are more fires on July 4th then any other day of the year. Each year fireworks cause 1,300 structural fires, and over 17,000 other fires resulting in 1,000’s of injuries. Due to the significant uptick in fires on Independence Day, it is important to keep a few things in mind when it comes to your home.

 

Bottle Rockets, Sparkles, Roman Candles – you name it – have all been linked to causing home fires. Properly lighting and discarding fireworks is essential for you and your home’s safety.

 

Read about improperly discarded fireworks causing a house fire in Loudoun County in 2015 here. 

Firework Home Safety 101

 

The following is comprehensive list to help keep your home and family safe on July 4th. Knowing potential problem areas in advance is key.

 

1.Inspect your home for dry debris in your gutters and roof.

 

There is no better place for a random spark to go then a patch of dry leaves in a gutter or the valley of a roof. Bottle rockets especially, often find themselves on roofs and in gutters of homes. Hot summers and dry debris on roofs can be a recipe for structural fire.

Did you know you should clean your gutters yearly? Read here

 

 

2. Properly dispose of fireworks. 

 

This is the number one cause of fires on July 4th – improperly disposed fireworks. It is recommended to soak all used fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. NEVER bring the trash can with used fireworks into your garage. Leave your trashcan on the street until trash pickup.

 

 

3. Keep a hose and bucket of water handy when lighting fireworks. 

 

Keep a hose close by to the area where you are lighting fireworks as well as a bucket of water just in case. After lighting off fireworks, dispose of the used fireworks by placing them in the bucket of water.

Just to be extra safe, keep the fireworks in the bucket of water overnight, then dispose of them the next day.

 

4. Other Firework Safety tips to consider: 

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye-wear
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• 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

 

Enjoy the 4th & Be Safe!

 

We hope you have a great 4th of July and spend lots of time with family and friends. Enjoy the cookouts, weather and memories.  Most importantly, it is great to celebrate our countries independence.

 

While firework safety as adults might seem silly, it is important to keep in mind that most fire incidents that occur on the 4th were because of improper disposal or improper handling. Best recommendation – go watch professional fireworks with a blanket and friends!

 

Here is a list of local events and firework shows:

 

Dale City – link here.

Falls Church – link here. 

Herndon – link here. 

Manassas – link here. 

Manassas Park / Signal Hill – link here.

Mt. Vernon – link here.

Vienna – link here.

Washington D.C. – link here.

Alexandria – Saturday July 7th – link here.

 

Feel free to share this article with friends and have a happy 4th of July from the Top Dog Home Pro crew!

~Luke