July 4 brings people together across the U.S. to celebrate the country with food, fun and of course, fireworks. However, that last one can quickly take things from fun to frightening.
Just look at statistics from last year, via the Consumer Product Safety Commission: an estimated 14,700 people were sent to emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries (including 1,700 ER visits for sparklers alone) and 11 people died due to fireworks injuries. That was a 52% increase in injuries and a 38% increase in deaths compared to 2023.
Nearly a third (32%) of the injuries occurred in people ages 25 to 44, followed by around a quarter (24%) from people ages 15 to 24. Hands and fingers were the most commonly injured body parts at 36%, followed by the head, face and ears at 22%.
A number of experts spoke with Audacy about fireworks safety ahead of the Independence Day holiday. In New Orleans, Mike Strain, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry – who said he plans to grill up everything from chickens to hamburgers and hot dogs to celebrate the holiday – joined WWL’s Tommy Tucker.
“Be very cognizant of where you’re shooting those fireworks,” said Strain. “Please do not set the fields on fire because again, you know, we’ll be out there with the fire department to put that out.”
In particular, Strain explained how the stress fireworks puts on animals can actually become dangerous.
“Some animals, a lot of dogs… especially dogs and horses do not like fireworks. So again, if your dog is sensitive to that, you may want to put them inside,” he said.
As for horses, he said that owners should keep an eye on them for signs of colic, or adnominal distress.
“Normally when we get out there as veterinarians, we give them a little shot of anti-inflammatories and a nice good sedative and they just chill on down and everything is fine,” Strain told Tucker. “But generally, on the fourth of July, I would always have two or three different cases of colic from the fireworks.”
For those worried about their pets, he recommends going to the vet ahead of time to get a sedative.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, Audacy’s KRLD reported that Mesquite, Texas warned residents not to set off their own fireworks or firearms into their air while celebrating.
“Both are illegal, and they come with serious consequences,” in Texas, said KRLD’s Kristin Diaz.
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Dr. Brian McDonough offered KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, Pa., some advice about preventing fireworks-related injuries as well.
“With professionals in charge, these events are usually quite safe, however, many people celebrate with fireworks on their own and there can be greater chance of injury,” said the doctor. “There are some common-sense rules, the most obvious being fireworks should be used outdoors and away from structures. Make certain a responsible adult is in charge and the adult wears eye protection and avoids alcohol. Certainly, make sure pets are in a safe environment and they’re away from fireworks. You can have a great time, but be safe.”
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