New Year's Firework Safety Message from the Panama City Fire Department

PANAMA CITY, FL - As we count down to the end of 2024, the Panama City Fire Department wants to ensure that you celebrate safely. Fireworks are a fun way to ring in the year, but they also pose serious risks to safety. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. Fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers, as they cause thousands of injuries each year.

To help keep you and your loved ones safe, here are some important firework safety tips:
1. Use Fireworks in Open, Outdoor Spaces
Always light fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area, away from buildings, trees, and any dry grass or leaves. Never ignite fireworks indoors.
2. Keep a Safe Distance
Always maintain a safe distance from lit fireworks. 
Only the person lighting them should be close, and others should watch from a safe, designated area.
3. Supervise Children
Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can burn at extremely high temperatures. 
Always supervise children closely around fireworks.
4. Keep Pets Indoors, Secured and Comfortable
Keep pets in a quiet, safe space away from the noise and chaos outside. A room with no windows, such as a bathroom or basement, can be ideal. You can play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sound of fireworks. A long walk or play session earlier in the day can help burn off energy, making them more likely to relax during the fireworks. Keep pets away from fireworks and sparklers - Fireworks can be toxic to animals if ingested, and sparklers can burn. Store them in a safe location out of pets' reach.
5. Use Proper Storage
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Never keep them in your pockets or near other flammable
materials.
6. Have a Water Source Nearby
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close by to extinguish fireworks that may not have
gone off or in case of a fire.
7. Dispose of Fireworks Safely
After the fireworks display, ensure that all used fireworks are soaked in water before discarding
them. Never throw them in the trash until they are completely cool.
8. Check Local Laws
Always follow local regulations regarding fireworks use. Certain fireworks may be prohibited in
our area, so be sure to check before lighting any.
9. Be Prepared for Emergencies
In case of a fire or emergency, immediately call 9-1-1. Quick action can prevent a minor issue
from becoming a serious fire hazard.

Ideas to celebrate the New Year without fireworks:
- Glow Sticks
They glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler or other fireworks.
- Noise Makers
Noise makers are sure to make a statement. You can find them at local party supply stores or
make your own.

Additional Fire Prevention Tips for a Safe New Year’s Celebration:
1. Fire Safety with Candles and Decorations
• Never leave candles unattended: If you're using candles to decorate for the holidays, always keep them within sight and blow them out when leaving a room or going to bed.
• Keep decorations away from heat sources: Ensure that your holiday decorations, especially those made from paper or fabric, are kept away from open flames or heat sources.
2. Check Your Fire Alarms
• Test smoke alarms: Before celebrating, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
Replace batteries if needed, and ensure your fire alarms are in good condition.
3. Cook Safely
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking: If you're preparing food for your New Year's gathering, never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking on the stovetop.
• Be cautious with cooking oils: Hot oil can easily catch fire. Keep an eye on deep-frying and avoid overfilling the fryer.
4. Create an Emergency Plan
• Have a fire escape plan: Make sure everyone in your household knows how to exit the home safely in case of a fire, and practice your plan in advance.
• Know emergency contacts: Keep the phone number for your local fire department accessible, and have an emergency kit on hand.
5. Dispose of Fireworks Properly
• After your celebration, soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them to prevent accidental fires.
6. Monitor Outdoor Fires
• If you’re having an outdoor fire, such as a bonfire or fire pit, always keep it small, and never leave it unattended. Have water or a fire extinguisher ready.

Statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association, sourced by the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) 2022 Fireworks Annual Report:
- More than 31,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
- Half of the fireworks injuries at emergency rooms were extremities: hand, finger or leg. One third were to the eye or other parts of the head.
- Children younger than 15 years old accounted for 28% of the estimated fireworks injuries.

Let’s make this New Year’s celebration safe and fun for everyone! Following these fire prevention tips ensures that the only thing sparkling this New Year is the joy of celebration—not a fire emergency. Stay safe, and have a wonderful New Year!