HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection are offering tips to keep your family and furry friends safe during America’s upcoming 250th Fourth of July celebration.
Anyone planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks should purchase them from a licensed dealer, use them responsibly, and be aware of the impact that sudden, loud noises can have on pets, especially dogs.
“I know we are all excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but please do so with common sense and safety as your top priorities,” Attorney General Sunday. “Consider these tips from my office to ensure your family, friends, and pets are safe and protected from potential dangers during this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.”
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 2025, 13 people died from fireworks and an estimated 13,000 people were sent to the emergency room from fireworks misuse and malfunctions, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Attorney General Sunday offered these tips to enjoy fireworks safely this weekend:
- Act responsibly around fireworks. Alcohol, drugs, guns, and fireworks do not mix.
- 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.
- Fireworks are not for children. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities at all times.
- Read all instructions before igniting any fireworks, including sparklers and other smaller fireworks.
- Never light fireworks inside, near or at other people, or near buildings, and maintain a safe distance after you light one.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Wait at least 5-10 minutes before handling fireworks, then place duds in a bucket of water. Spent fireworks should be soaked for a few hours before disposal.
- Never hold fireworks in your hand or put any part of your body directly over a firework.
- Never light more than one firework at a time – it increases the risk of something going wrong.
- Buy your fireworks from a licensed dealer.
- Ensure your municipality allows fireworks.
- Keep pets safe by keeping them indoors, closing the curtains/blinds, and providing some background noise for distraction.
The Office of Attorney General wishes everyone across the Commonwealth a safe and happy 250th Independence Day.
###