Usually, the State Fire Marshal would encourage families to choose public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled to discourage large gatherings due to COVID-19.
SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.
“Please make sure that children do not get a hold of them and make that while you are working with fireworks that some of the objects that you need to light fireworks, like lighters, are not within reach of children,” says Rodrigue.
Rodrigue says you should also only light fireworks on cement and away from structures.
“We’re asking everyone, of course, to make sure they are operating fireworks while not impaired and you want to make sure you are lighting devices one at a time,” says Rodrigue
Once you are finished with your celebration, Rodrigue says to be sure to wet down fireworks after use and if you do place them in a garbage can put that receptacle away from your home.
“We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard in the past where in the middle of the night someone finds that there’s a fire in their trash can in their garage or right up next to their home and now you have a house fire as well,” says Rodrigue
She also suggests you have a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case of an accident while setting off fireworks.