With July 4th quickly approaching, the East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety would like to remind all residents to adhere to the following safety tips concerning fireworks:
- Do not allow young children to play with fireworks or ignite them under any circumstances.
- Please be alert to the serious dangers of sparklers as young children can suffer severe burn injuries from handling them. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, sparklers cause the most injury compared to any other type of firecracker and burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees — hot enough to even melt some metals.
- Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area and away from houses, dry leaves, grass or other flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby for emergencies. Soak fireworks that fail to ignite or explode to prevent an accidental fire.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Wait at least 20 minutes before throwing them away.
- Only use fireworks as intended — do not try to alter or combine them in any way.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- Make sure all fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Please note per Michigan law, fireworks will be permitted in EGR between June 29 and July 4, 2021 until 11:45 p.m. They are prohibited on public, church, school or private property without express permission from the property owner or a permit from the City.
If you choose to celebrate the 4th of July by setting off fireworks, please be courteous of your neighbors. The loud noises and flashing lights are a PTSD trigger for many veterans and also frighten many animals.
We hope residents and visitors alike have a safe holiday!