Firework Safety


🎆 Keeping Our Community Safe: Firework Safety Tips 🎆

​As we get closer to the summer celebrations, the excitement is building here in New Holland! 🎉 While we all love a great party, the New Holland Fire Department wants to make sure our community stays safe, happy, and injury-free.

​Every year, fireworks lead to thousands of painful injuries and preventable fires. The good news? A little bit of planning and common sense can keep your family safe. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

​Here is what you need to know before you light up the night! ✨

​🛑 The "Big Three" Rules of Firework Safety

​If you remember nothing else from this post, keep these three golden rules in mind:

  • ​A Misfire is a Dead Stop: Never, under any circumstances, try to re-light or pick up a "dud" firework that didn't go off. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water. 🚫🔥
  • ​Water on Standby: Always keep a garden hose or a large bucket of water nearby. You want to be able to extinguish a small flare-up instantly, and you need a place to dump spent fireworks. 🧯💦
  • ​One at a Time: Only light one firework at a time, and quickly move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting the fuse. 🏃💨

​🦺 Sparklers: Cuter, But Just as Dangerous

​It’s easy to think of sparklers as harmless fun for the kids, but they actually account for a massive percentage of injuries every year.

​Did you know? Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,200°F (648°C). That is hot enough to melt glass and cause severe, deep burns in a split second! 🌡️⚠️


​If you let children use sparklers, make sure they are closely supervised, standing far apart, and dropping the hot metal rods straight into a bucket of water the moment they finish burning. 🪣

​📋 Your Pre-Show Safety Checklist

​Before you start your neighborhood show, walk through this quick checklist to ensure your setup is safe:

  1. ​Clear the Area: Make sure you are setting up on a flat, hard, non-flammable surface (like a concrete driveway) far away from dry grass, houses, overhanging trees, and vehicles. 🏡🌳
  2. ​Protect the Kids: Designate a "spectator zone" that is a safe distance away from the launch pad. Children should never be allowed to ignite fireworks. 👦👧
  3. ​Soak 'Em Down: Once a firework is finished, don't just toss it in the trash can. Submerge all used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them away to prevent a garbage fire. 🗑️💧
  4. ​Think of the Pets: The loud bangs and bright flashes can be incredibly terrifying for our furry friends. Keep your pets indoors in a secure, quiet room to prevent them from panicking and running away. 🐶🐱

​🎟️ Leave the Big Shows to the Pros

​The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to gather your lawn chairs and head out to a professional public display. Let the trained experts handle the explosives while you kick back and enjoy the view! 🎆🙌

​From all of us at the New Holland Fire Department, have a fantastic, proud, and safe summer celebration! 🚒❤️

​🚨 If you experience a firework emergency or a fire breaks out, do not wait—call 911 immediately. 🚨

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