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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Fourth of July is just a few days away.

Many people are already starting to use fireworks across our communities. While they can be fun, health experts want people to use them safely and properly.

Memorial Health said they want people to make sure they’re buying fireworks from reputable companies.

Using fireworks in brown paper bags may be professional items, and not meant to use at home.

He also said the way people use them, is just as important.

“We recommend not holding fireworks. We recommend not putting it in your hands when you actually ignite the firework and light the fuse. The other thing is we’ll see some silly behavior when people actually throw fireworks at other people or shoot them at other people and that’s when some significant injuries can occur,” said Memorial Health’s Assistant Emergency Medical Director, Jay Goldstein.

He said the most common injury they see each year are burns.

Last year in the U.S., hospitals treated about 14,000 patients for firework related injuries.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As the Fourth of July approaches, firefighters are reminding the community how to safely store and use fireworks.

Many of the fireworks we buy and use every year around this time come from China. A lot of retailers buy these fireworks well in advance of the holiday, so it’s likely you won’t see tariffs impacting the cost for your red, white and blue celebration this year. It may, however, entice you to stockpile for next year.

If you’re storing fireworks, it’s important to know about safe storage. The Grand Rapids Fire Department says when it comes to storing fireworks, you should never bring them in the house. Never have them near something with an ignition source, like an HVAC system, and keep them away from combustible items or flammables.

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The fire marshal says these are important reminders for anyone storing their holiday explosives.

“You certainly want to be aware that these things can go off if they’re exposed to an ignition source,” said GRFD Fire Marshal Bill Smith.

Smith says they didn’t have a single fireworks-related call during Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a sign of people being cognizant and responsible with their firework use,” he said.

Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday and especially during a stretch of dry summer weather, the fire department has some advice when using consumer-grade fireworks.

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They advise always reading the packaging and understanding exactly what each particular device is going to do. Keeping in mind the dry weather, it’s always wise to wet your yard down and make sure the fun is contained to your property.

List: Fourth of July fireworks, parades in West Michigan 2025

The Grand Rapids fireworks ordinance allows for residents to launch their colorful explosives each day until July 5 from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m.

Regardless of the fun, Smith says it’s all about recognizing the dangers.

“It’s recognizing that fireworks can be dangerous if not used appropriately,” he said. “Keeping people away from them and making sure that you understand if you’re shooting something off into the air, that downrange you’re not going to expose vegetation or a structure to an ignition source.”

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The fire marshal says one of the safest ways to celebrate the holiday is by leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals. The city of Grand Rapids is hosting its own display, so you don’t have to. It’ll happen at Ah-Nab-Awen Park on July 5 with fireworks starting at 10:30 p.m.

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