HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection are offering tips to stay safe — and protect your dogs — during the Fourth of July holiday.
Anyone planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks is encouraged to buy them from a licensed dealer, use them responsibly, and be aware of the impact that sudden, loud noises can have on dogs.
“The July Fourth holiday is a time to enjoy warm weather with friends and family while celebrating our country’s independence — but everyone needs to be aware of potential dangers,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Take the steps to ensure your fireworks event will be a safe one, and do not forget about dogs — both in your home and your neighborhood.”
Fireworks can be traumatic for nearly half of dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, which encourages pet owners to keep dogs in a safe, secured space; ensure they are properly tagged; and comfort them during fireworks festivities.
In 2024, 11 people died from fireworks and almost 15,000 people were seriously injured by fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Attorney General Sunday offered these tips to enjoy fireworks safely this weekend:
- Buy your fireworks from a licensed dealer.
- Read all instructions before igniting any fireworks, including sparklers and other smaller fireworks.
- Fireworks are not for children. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities at all times.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water close. Whether you are running a big community display or using fireworks in your own backyard, keep a fire extinguisher close by. Even sparklers burn up to temperatures of 2,000 degrees F. This could save someone’s life.
- Act responsibly around fireworks. Alcohol, drugs, guns, and fireworks do not mix.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
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