Fire And Life Safety

Fireworks Safety

Celebrate Fireworks Season Safely

Fireworks can be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions to safeguard your loved ones and pets. Instead of setting off fireworks at home, consider attending public displays that are put on by professionals. However, if you do decide to use fireworks, be sure to follow safety guidelines and obey the law.

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Fireworks Seasons


in unincorporated Harris County

Diwali Fact Sheets

Do not use fireworks:

within 600 feet of:

  • A place of worship, hospital, veterinary hospital, asylum
  • Licensed child care center
  • Public or private primary or secondary school
  • Institution of higher education (unless authorized)

within 100 feet of:

  • Flammable liquids or compressed gases storage/dispensing
  • Fireworks storage or sales location

Do not use on property belonging to another person without permission.

  • Ignite or discharge from a motor vehicle
  • Place or throw ignited fireworks at a vehicle



How to Prepare


Before You Shoot

  • Do not let your children buy fireworks without adult supervision
  • Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
  • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Find a smooth, flat surface — away from the house and other buildings, or dry leaves and grass
  • Light only one firework at a time
  • Always have adult supervision!
  • Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy to properly soak fireworks before disposing.
  • Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your house for emergency use.
  • Clear roof surfaces and gutters to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.
  • Store gasoline in approved container away from home.

When to Shoot

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
  • Always read and follow label directions, warnings, and instructions
  • Be considerate of your neighbors
  • Only ignite fireworks outdoors, and away from houses and other buildings
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
  • Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned
  • Never give fireworks to small children, even sparklers can cause serious burns
  • Never throw fireworks at another person, vehicle, or animal
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

After You Shoot

Soak
  • Soak used fireworks and duds in a bucket for at least 15 mins.
Soak
  • Drain water on grass or gravel
Soak
  • Wrap soaked fireworks in a plastic bag so they do not dry out.
Trash
  • Place the bag of soaked fireworks in the trash bin and move the trash bin to the end of the driveway away from combustible materials. remember, fireworks can not be recycled or composted.


petSafety

We are always concerned about fireworks safety for adults and children – but don’t forget your pets!


  • Do not take your pets to a fireworks display.
  • Do not leave them in the car by themselves or unattended outside.
  • Keep all pets inside. If you are having guests, keep the pets in a room that is off-limits to the guests and provide the animals with plenty of food and water.
  • Create a calming environment. Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects.
  • Play soothing music or keep the TV on and keep the room as quiet as possible to outside noise by closing windows, doors, and blinds.
  • Do not let pets sniff or ingest fireworks. Aside from a severe burn, your animal can become ill or even die due to ingesting chemicals and heavy metals in fireworks.
  • Make sure your pet is licensed and wearing its license tag. Consult with your veterinarian and seriously consider micro-chipping your four-legged friend.
  • This helps ensure your pet can reunite with your family if it gets lost.

Celebrating in Dry Conditions

When grass and fields are dry, using fireworks can pose a danger!

Always light fireworks outdoors in a secure location, far from dry grass and structures. Explore ways to enjoy and celebrate the season with fireworks, particularly during dry weather.

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dryCondition