Fireworks safety tips for you and your pets

Fourth of July fireworks can be fun, but they can also be dangerous.

A firefighter and a vet share how you can keep yourself and your pets safe.

Tips for Celebrating at Home

With recent lake closures, Berryhill Fire Chief Michael Hall says he expects a lot of people to be celebrating the Fourth of July at home. He says most of the calls his department gets around the Fourth are grass fires, but injuries from fireworks still happen, too.

"So we would just encourage them to all be very cognizant of your handling an explosive," said Chief Hall.

He recommends keeping your fireworks area safe by cutting the grass short, soaking it with water, and making sure children are closely supervised, especially when using anything that burns too hot to be put out with water.

Wet Grass and Other Holiday Hazards

Chief Hall says with all the rain we've gotten lately, it's a good idea to shoot your fireworks from a solid surface, like concrete. He says if you shoot them on soggy grass, the fireworks could lose balance and tip over.

And even if fireworks are legal where you live, Hall says that doesn't give you a free pass.

"Just because you can shoot off fireworks doesn't mean you should shoot off fireworks after 10 p.m.," he said.

Taking care of pets

Not only do fireworks affect people, but they also affect your pets. Dr. Mike Jones with Woodland West Animal Hospital says there are things you can do to keep your pet calm during fireworks.

"If your pet really does have a really bad firework phobia, I would start treating them today. Talk to your veterinarian — there are multiple different anxiety medications we can use now," said Jones.

He says the Fourth of July is a good time to make sure your pet is microchipped, so you can easily find them if they get scared and run away.

"That permanent microchip [...] — it’s easy, it’s inexpensive, and it’s for life," he said.

Dr. Jones also suggests staying outside with your pets, even just for bathroom breaks. He says it only takes one unexpected boom to send them running.