Since America's first anniversary in 1777, fireworks have been used to celebrate America's independence. While Philadelphia was the first city to celebrate Independence Day with a fiery boom of fireworks and bonfires, nearly every town and city in America now hosts their own fireworks displays, which can cost anywhere from about $10,000 for small town displays and upwards of several million dollars for multi-day, corporate-sponsored celebrations.

In additions to big fireworks shows and celebratory extravaganzas, many families choose to celebrate with their own fireworks displays at home, usually with firecrackers and sparklers or other small fireworks. But although fireworks are used with the intention of joy and celebration, injuries, fires and home insurance claims can be consequences of lighting up the night on the Fourth of July.

While fireworks are beautiful, they can be dangerous, damaging homes and injuring friends and family members, turning a joyous celebration into a nightmare. Click through the following slides for tips and tricks to help keep clients' homes and loved ones safe on the Fourth of July.

Homeowners' Insurance Coverage

It is no surprise that more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and more than half of these fires are caused by Americans shooting off rockets in their backyards. In 2008, for example, fireworks caused upwards of 22,000 fires and $42 million in property damage.

While basic home insurance covers fires, it may not cover fires that are caused by fireworks set off by homeowners, especially if fireworks are illegal in the area. First and foremost, homeowners should examine local laws to see if their towns and cities even allows fireworks or communicate with their agent to get a better sense of policy restrictions. However, homeowners should be aware of safe practices when lighting off fireworks for the holiday.

Because fireworks can cause grass fires in addition to home blazes, homeowners should be sure to light off fireworks in a safe area, away from homes, buildings and combustible materials. Keeping a fire extinguisher nearby is a precaution that could save homes, as well as the lives of family members and loved ones in case something goes awry.

Similarly, examining the area for tree limbs, bushes or other vegetation that could catch fire is important for avoiding disaster, especially if it is close to the home. Cleaning out gutters that may have accumulated dry leaves or pine needles is also an easy preventative measure that homeowners can take to have a safer Fourth of July celebration.

The best way to protect your home is, clearly, to not use fireworks at all. Attending a bigger, local fireworks celebration can allow homeowners to still celebrate with beautiful fireworks, but keep their homes safe. However, even if a homeowner is going to be at a local show or out of town for the holiday, asking a neighbor to keep an eye on your home can be helpful, especially if others in the neighborhood are using fireworks. Although homeowners' insurance would cover damage caused by fireworks that others ignite, it is best to avoid damages altogether.

Take Safety Into Account

Fireworks-related injuries are most common on New Year's Eve and July 4, but with common sense and careful planning, the Fourth of July holiday can be safe for everyone.

In order for homeowners to protect themselves and their friends and family members against the dangers of fireworks, taking proper safety measures can minimize injury.

If a firework is a “dud,” and does not go off, do not relight it. Instead, keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby and submerge it in water. In addition, it is unwise to carry fireworks in a pocket, or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. And when lighting off a firework, never place any part of your body directly over it. Never throw or aim fireworks at another person. Safe handling of fireworks will help to prevent any injuries that could spoil the Fourth of July fun.

Keeping Children Safe

Although beautiful, fireworks can cause serious injury and even death. According to the NFPA, emergency rooms treated about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2008, and children under the age of 15 experienced approximately 40% of these injuries. Lacerations, contusions and burns on the hands, fingers, and eyes are among the most common injuries, and small firecrackers and sparklers are often the culprits.

Advise homeowners to light fireworks off one at a time and move away quickly. Those viewing the display should keep a safe distance from the ignition site, as sparks could fly or a firework could shoot off in a wayward direction. Witnesses should also be aware and prepared to move away should a firework be errant.

When it comes to kids, it is safest to never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees, offering the potential to cause third-degree burns. A responsible adult should always be present with children of all ages—even teenagers—around fireworks, especially since more than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.

While fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations, it is also important to take safety into consideration. Keep this Fourth of July a joyous holiday by informing clients about safe practices for lighting off fireworks this Independence Day.

Special Reports /

3 Tips for a Safe Fireworks Display

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