Published by Trustmark Voluntary Benefits on June 29th, 2022

The Fourth of July is a great time to have a cookout, lounge by the pool, check out a parade and, of course, light off some fireworks. However, if you’re going to be lighting fireworks yourself, be cautious! In 2020, there were 1600 firecracker injuries and 400 sparkler injuries.1 To help make sure the Fourth of July is injury free for you, your family, and your pets, we’ve tracked down some firework safety tips to help make sure you can enjoy the fun while being safe.


Here are a few pointers for the family about firework safety1:
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close for emergencies
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
  • Adults should always supervise firework activities, even sparklers
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
  • Only light one firework at a time and then move back quickly
To help keep your four-legged family members safe, remember tips like these:
  • Be sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on their collar at all times…if they are microchipped, even better!
  • If your pet is afraid of loud noises, play soothing music to cover the sound of fireworks
  • For pets who feel safe in their crate, put them in the crate and try covering it with a blanket
  • Calming wraps or “thunder jackets” provide a gentle pressure that can help relax some pets
  • In general, avoid taking dogs to fireworks displays to avoid injuries and make sure they are on a leash at all times if they are outside when a fireworks show is going on in the area
Of firework injuries, 66% occurred around the Fourth of July holiday1…but injuries and accidents of any kind can happen at any time of the year. That’s why it’s important to have accident insurance for financial protection. If you or a family member has an accident-related injury, your major medical insurance may not be enough to cover the costly medical bills associated with treatment.

To give you peace of mind around the Fourth of July holiday and all year round, be sure to practice these firework safety tips and protect your finances with accident insurance.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, fun, and safe Fourth of July!
 
1Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fireworks. 2021.
2North Shore Animal League America. Help keep your pets safe this Fourth of July. 2022.