Fourth of July is a little over a week away and the firework stands have been preparing for weeks so that they can legally open. Most states in the US, allow firework stands to only be open for a short period of time before New Years Eve and Fourth of July. During this small window, thousands of people flock to the firework stands looking to buy fireworks for their family. In fact, Americans typically spend over $600 million dollars on fireworks for the Fourth of July. As a parent, I don’t typically buy fireworks for my kids because they are so dangerous and I see them as a complete waste of money.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. All opinions reflected in this post are my own and may differ from your opinions.
If you have kids, it is very important that are never allowed to play with fireworks or light them by themselves even with adequate supervision. Fireworks can cause serious burns and injuries that can quickly end your fun and send you for a visit to the local emergency room. In fact, I remember when I was growing up my brother picked up a bottle rocket thinking that it was a roman candle. As most know, roman candles are typically held in your hand even though you shouldn’t. Then he lit the bottle rocket and held it in his hand. I don’t remember what my brother ended up doing with the bottle rocket that was lite in his hand. However, I remember that it severely burned his hand. After his accident, I have always been leery around fireworks.
In Texas, during the summer months we usually end up with a burn ban in place which restricts residents from launching their own fireworks. Typically, me and my family usually end up watching a local firework shows or we sit outside our house on the drive way. Where we live we can usually watch fireworks that other people are launching nearby, once of the benefits to leaving near the country. I like watching the bigger Fireworks shows because they are put on by professionals and I don’t have to worry about my kids accidentally burning or hurting themselves.
30 comments
Where I’m from, fireworks are a big deal. We’ve had so many firework-related injuries in the past, that I think people should learn their lesson and be more cautious. Thanks for sharing this.
Fireworks in this area are a big deal as well. There are quite a few places that host huge firework shows.
This is the first city we’ve lived in that sells fireworks. We live in a densely populated urban area, and I was shocked last year to see so many people shooting them off…especially when we can walk to the end of our block and see the amazing downtown fireworks show
The same thing happens in our area too Krisit. Thank you for sharing.
As a child, although I had no reason to be, I was very afraid of fireworks. It wasn’t the sound. It wasn’t the fact that they were potentially dangerous. Thinking back, I think it had more to do with the way kids can get reckless and too excited. Great article, and I love the bullet highlighting supervision. Great article.
Rhonda I always loved them until my brother got hurt. After that I am very cautious even around sparklers.
I love watching fireworks, but I’ve never purchased any. It is kind of scary. One year, we had such a drought that our city had to cancel their annual show. It was such a shame! But better than burning half the town I guess, lol! Thanks for this important and timely message!
Yes it is a shame when they have to cancel the city firework show. Thankfully around here they are known to shot the fireworks over the lake.
I love fireworks but only the ones I see in the sky. I hope everyone stays safe this 4th of July
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a safe 4th of July too.
I leave the fireworks to the professionals. I’d be too afraid of lighting myself on fire or having a firework go off in my face. My city has a great fireworks display every year though that I can see from my house, which is nice. Though, generally, I’m at my aunt and uncle’s house celebrating. My uncles like to set off fireworks and have had a couple of incidents. I should have them read this post before the celebration!
Thank you for sharing Felicia. I am thankful that I can see a few firework shows from my driveway as well. I don’t have to worry about driving home after the show ends. I hope that you and your family has a safe and happy Fourth of July.
These are great tips. Every year when our rather large family gets together it seems like were always trying to fend off the little ones from running over to touch the fireworks. It’s sparkly and fun, and they really need to be watched carefully. I love the big fireworks too! We’re hoping we get some rain here so they don’t cancel the big fireworks display. My kiddos will be so disappointed if they do 🙁
That would be a bummer if they have to cancel the big show. I know that I always count on the big shows so that I don’t have to worry about my kids hurting themselves.
Every year, we see police cruising the neighborhood as people still insist on shooting off illegal fireworks in areas they shouldn’t. While they’re pretty, the resulting fires aren’t. I’m all for firework safety — great post!
Thanks you for stopping by Dee. I know that people shoot off fireworks in our neighborhood too.
We buy the safe kind. Smoke bombs, those sparkly wands, etc. I don’t like the more dangerous kind, plus they are illegal in NC. We try and go see a professional display every year and leave it to the experts.
Thank you for sharing Debbie. I try to buy the safer fireworks as well if I end up buying some.
Thanks a lot for all your tips Christy, it is really important to take good care of the kids in these special occasions. Here in the side of CA I live, the fireworks are allowed just in some areas for safety reasons!
Thank you for sharing Meire.
Very useful post, Christy! In India, we have fireworks for every celebration, but most notably during Diwali, a festival and each time we win a cricket match. Personally, I’ve never enjoyed fireworks. I always think the money could be used to help those in need rather than turn it into ash. 🙂 It makes me sad!
I agree with you Vidya. The total in the US was $600 million alone and I can’t imagine how much is spent each year for fireworks around the world. I think that money could be used to fix everyone’s health care system and feed the hungry.
I have nearly always lived in areas where personal fireworks were banned, so it’s really not been much of an issue for us. And since we had a childhood friend who lost an eye in a fireworks accident, we have always been aware of and taught our children proper respect for fireworks.
The scary part is all the people who buy them and use them without any thought to the safety of their children, themselves and their neighbors. Our years in New Mexico were often a little crazy on the 4th.
Wow, I am sorry to hear about your childhood friend. This goes to show you how dangerous fireworks really are. I appreciate you sharing this in hopes that someone sees it and thinks before lighting their fireworks.
My brother was only an inch from being severely hurt from fireworks. It’s definitely a dangerous time, though it’s a lot of fun. These are great tips Christy! Definitely useful!
Lexie I am glad that your brother wasn’t severely hurt.
Fireworks can be very dangerous so all your points are very well made and taken. Happy “Independence Day” ..let’s keep this country a Free Nation under God.
Happy Independence Day Pat, thank you for sharing.
I love fireworks! Don’t get them here in SA like in the states so I miss them!
Awww, I am sorry you miss them Carl. I hope you have a Happy 4th. Thank you for sharing.