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Each year, emergency departments in the United States treat approximately 7,000 patients for injuries caused by fireworks. Injuries from fireworks can range from burns to more serious medical problems like cuts and amputations. In severe cases, consequences from fireworks use can result in death.
Protect yourself and your family by following these guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
10 Tips for Safety Around Fireworks
The AAP continues to urge families NOT to buy fireworks for personal use. Keeping that in mind, the following are some safety tips to follow if you or your children are around fireworks.
- Never give fireworks to children.
- Always have a bucket of water and a charged water hose nearby.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
- Never bring pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
- If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
- A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.
- Never consume alcohol before or while setting off fireworks.
- Know your fireworks. Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- Dispose of fireworks by wetting them down. Place spent fireworks in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
[source: National Council on Fireworks Safety]
Fireworks Facts
- Sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F and account for 10 percent of fireworks-related injuries.
- In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires.
- In 2014, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks-related injuries.
- Of all the types of fireworks, sparklers cause the most injuries.
4th of July Celebrations in Wake County
You don’t have to travel too far to see an impressive fireworks display or to enjoy 4th of July festivities. Take a look at the following, family-friendly activities taking place close to home.
IN RALEIGH . . .
Raleigh 4th of July Fireworks Display | July 4
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Address: PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
Cost: FREE
Details: Free parking to view the fireworks will be available within PNC Arena lots, Carter-Finley Stadium lots and North Carolina State Fairgrounds Bunn Field lots along Trinity Rd. Fireworks will be launched from the Varsity Lot at North Carolina State University. Gates open at 6pm, and fireworks launch at 9:32pm.
IN CARY . . .
Independence Eve Celebration | Tuesday, July 3
Cost: FREE
Schedule of Events:
- Preshow with Applause! Cary Youth Theatre | 6:30 p.m.
- Cary Town Band | 7:30 p.m.
Address: Cary Arts Center | 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511
Details: Featuring music honoring those who served, and, of course, we’ll salute our military service personnel past and present who have helped secure our freedom and liberty through all the years.
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Town of Cary July 4th Celebration | July 4
Time: 3 pm – 10 pm
Address: Koka Booth Ampitheatre | 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary, NC 27518
Cost: FREE
Details:
3 p.m. Gates open to blankets, lawn chairs & picnics
3-7 p.m. Kids Activities, Ferris Wheel, Berry-Go-Round, scavenger hunt, and more.
4:30-6 p.m. Watermelon eating, ice cream eating and corn hole contests.
5:45 p.m. Cary Town Band on Koka Booth Main Stage
7:30 p.m. NC Symphony on Koka Booth Main Stage
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Independence Day Olde Time Celebration at Bond Park | July 4
Time: Activities begin at 8 a.m.
Cost: FREE
Address: Fred G. Metro Bond Park, Boathouse | 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513
Visit here to view the full schedule of events taking place in Cary.
IN APEX . . .
Apex Olde Fashioned 4th of July | July 4
Time: 9 am-1 pm
Address: Downtown Apex, Apex, NC 27502
Phone: 919-249-1120
Details:
9:00 am: Flag Raising
9:15 am: Activities begin (inflatables, giant slide, ice cream, karaoke contest, carnival games, climbing wall and more!)
11:45 am: Parade of Wheels line-up
11:50 am: Activities end
12:00 pm: Uncle Sam’s Parade of Wheels
12:30 pm: Fire Department Splash Down
Visit here to view the schedule of events.
IN ZEBULON . . .
Carolina Mudcats’ Mudcats for America Series | July 3 & 4
Time: *Games start at 7 pm with fireworks show after the games are over
Address: 1501 N.C. Hwy. 39, Zebulon, NC 27597
Cost: View ticket information here.
Details: The Mudcats will wear a patriotic themed jersey with the net proceeds benefiting Hire Heroes USA. Also, make sure you stay afterwards for a fantastic post-game fireworks extravaganza!
IN WAKE FOREST . . .
Wake Forest Independence Day Celebration | July 4
Time: Tue. 5:30pm; Wed. 10am-1pm
Address: Heritage High School: 1150 Forestville Rd.; Wake Forest Community House: 133 W. Owen Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587
Cost: FREE
Details: The town of Wake Forest offers up two days of Independence Day celebrations, July 3-4. The Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 will feature live music from Raleigh-based band Crush, plus food trucks and vendors serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
On the morning of July 4, kids can jump in on the annual Children’s Parade (line-up begins at 10am; parade begins at 10:30am), then have a blast at Art & Games in the Park, 11am-1pm, with inflatables, sack races, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, pie-eating contest and more.
IN GARNER . . .
Garner July 3 Independence Day Celebration | July 3
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Address: Lake Benson Park | 921 Buffaloe Rd., Garner, NC 27529
Cost: FREE
Details: An evening of fun for the whole family featuring a headlining performance by the North Carolina Symphony. Children can enjoy the Kids Adventure Zone featuring inflatables, games and crafts. Bring a picnic, or enjoy delicious concessions provided by food trucks and local non-profit organizations. The evening ends with a fireworks show.
Find an Emergency Department Near You
Of course even if you leave the fireworks to the professionals, accidents can happen. In the event of an emergency, it’s a good idea to know where your community’s emergency departments are located. WakeMed proudly offers full service emergency departments throughout Wake County, NC.
If you find yourself out and about in Wake County on the 4th of July, we also have other five other emergency departments, ready to take care of you and your loved ones. Find the emergency department nearest you, and be sure to check the Emergency Department wait times before you go.
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