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Fireworks Safety

Fireworks

The celebration of July 4th is fast upon us with all the festivity and tradition associated with it. It's a great time for barbeques, pool parties, and if you listen close, both far and near and set your sights on the evening horizon, you are bound to witness the most popular tradition of all: Fireworks!  Fireworks remind us of the heritage of your freedom. The Hollis Fire Department reminds  you that when using fireworks this Fourth of July Holiday, please put safety first. The good news is fireworks injury rates have decreased by almost 70% in the last decade. The bad news is that almost 10,000 people in the U.S. are treated every year for fireworks-related injuries Product regulation and consumer education reduce the rate of fireworks-related injury. The Town of Hollis follows state law put forth by the NH Department of Safety.  Every Licensed fireworks store must post a copy of the NH Permissible Fireworks list. The list and other information can be found at the State fire Marshall's website.  M-80's, cherry bombs, quarter sticks, fire crackers, bottle rockets among others are illegal in the state of NH. Anyone over the age 21 can purchase fireworks and please, only purchase fireworks from reputable dealers.

Follow these guidelines for a safe fireworks display:

  • Read the warning label and follow all directions on packaging
  • Never mix alcohol and fireworks. 
  • Always have water nearby
  • Adult supervision is always necessary with fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.

Parents should pay special attention to children using sparklers. Sparklers can reach temperatures to 1800 degrees F. Over 50% of sparkler injuries happen to children under age 14. Sparklers have become very popular in the past few years and these small fireworks may lead to a false sense of safety. Adults must be vigilant to assure safety to prevent injuries form sparklers.

A bit of preparation for your evening's fireworks display is necessary for everyone's safety. Designate a lighting area as well as a spectator area and store fireworks well away from the lighting area. Keep water nearby and know what the firework will do when lit.

The Hollis Fire department wishes you a Happy Fourth of July. Please keep you and your family safe during the summer months. If you have questions regarding fireworks in Hollis, please call the Fire Department - 465-6001