In the United States, more than twice as many house fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year, and 2 out of 5 of those fires are caused by fireworks.
One decisive way you can keep you and your family safe is to leave the fireworks to the professionals!
Professional presentations offer bigger and better fireworks than any consumer can produce at home, so why take the risk?
If citizens insist on using consumer fireworks, the following guidelines should always be followed:
• In North Carolina, any firework that is intended to explode, spin, or leave the ground is illegal.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Do not allow children to handle sparklers.
Remember, the best way to keep you and your family safe is to leave the fireworks to the pros!
If citizens have any questions, they are encouraged to call The Gastonia Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office at: 704-866-6807.