The Greenville City Fire Department’s Tips And Alternatives Could Make The Fourth Of July Celebration Safer

To make sure that your Fourth of July celebration is safe, the Greenville City Fire Department (GCFD) offers tips and recommended alternatives.

Aside from using fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, fire officials urge locals to find alternative methods to do so.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that each year, fireworks are responsible for more than 19,500 recorded fires and thousands of injuries.

Safety Tips:

• Only buy fireworks from retailers permitted through the Fire Marshal’s Office
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks
• Use common sense and always read and follow the directions on each firework
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees
• Light one firework at a time and keep a safe distance
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and keep a garden hose on hand

 Alternative Activities:

• Use glow sticks instead of sparklers
• Pass out red, white and blue silly string
• Look for confetti poppers and colorful streamers at a party supply store
• Throw a birthday party for the USA, including a cake
• Set up a screen in the backyard and have a family movie night
• Make a patriotic craft as a family

Find out more by visiting the City of Greenville website.