Family. Friends. Barbecues. Fireworks. And maybe even a drone light show. Independence Day is a time to reflect, relax, and enjoy the summer with those we love most. Whether you’re celebrating in your backyard, at the beach, or hosting the neighborhood BBQ, it’s important to keep safety at the top of your checklist.

With fireworks-related injuries and home damage on the rise, taking a few extra precautions this July 4th can go a long way in protecting your family, pets, and property.

Here are our 4th of July Safety Tips for Homeowners

Pool Safety: Don’t Let a Dip Turn Dangerous

A refreshing swim is a summer staple—but supervision is key.

Top tips for pool safety:

Always supervise children and pets around water.
Teach basic water safety, including avoiding drains and pool openings.
Install a fence or gate with childproof locks.
Keep floatation devices handy and remove toys from the pool area after use to reduce temptation.

Grill Like a Pro (Not a Fire Hazard)

Barbecue season is in full swing, but careless grilling is a leading cause of home fires.

Smart grilling tips:

Keep grills at least 15 feet from your home, deck railings, or trees.
Avoid grilling on uneven surfaces and keep kids and pets at a safe distance.
Use lighter fluid sparingly and never leave the grill unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and clean off grease buildup regularly.

Firework Safety: Leave It to the Pros

While fireworks are festive, they’re also dangerous—and the numbers don’t lie.

Fireworks in 2024:

14,700 injuries and 11 deaths (a 52% increase from the previous year)
Over 3,500 structure fires and 26,000 outdoor fires
20% of injuries required hospitalization
Sparklers caused 1,700 ER visits, many involving children under 5

Modern alternatives:

Consider attending a drone light show instead—just as dazzling, with zero fire risk and no boom-induced panic for pets.

If you do use fireworks at home:

Never allow children under 5 to handle any fireworks, including sparklers.
Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks in containers or point them at people or animals.
Soak used fireworks in water overnight before discarding.
Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.

Sparklers: Not So Harmless

Sparklers may look safe, but they burn at 1,200–2,000°F—hot enough to melt glass.

Reminder: Sparklers are responsible for nearly a third of all fireworks-related injuries to children under five. Never give sparklers to young kids, and always dispose of them in water.

Pet Safety: Calm the Chaos

Booms, bangs, and flashes can be terrifying for pets.

Protect your furry friends:

Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
Secure windows, and use leashes if you must go outside.
Create a safe space with their favorite toys or calming music.
Talk to your vet about anxiety relief options.

Insurance Matters: Know Your Coverage

Your homeowners insurance might cover fireworks-related damage or injuries—but only under specific conditions.

Key coverage tips:

If fireworks are illegal in your area or used improperly, coverage may be denied.
Most home policies include liability coverage for injuries to others and dwelling protection for fire damage—but check your limits.
Review your policy annually and speak with your independent agent about:
- Coverage limits for your home and detached structures
- Liability and medical payments
- Whether an umbrella policy is right for you (offering $1M+ in extra protection)

🎆 Summary: 2025 Fireworks Safety Checklist

🔥 Risk Area	🚫 What to Watch	✅ What to Do
Injuries	Sharp rise in ER visits	Attend pro or drone shows
Sparklers	Too hot for kids	Skip for under 5, use with caution
Fires	3,500+ structure fires	Soak and dispose responsibly
Pets	Panic, injuries	Keep inside, use calming tools
Grills & Pools	Fires, accidents	Supervise, clean, and fence off
Insurance Gaps	Illegal use exclusions	Review policy & consult agent

Celebrate safely this year—and give yourself peace of mind knowing your loved ones (and your property) are protected.

From all of us at The Ross Maghan Agency, have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Red, White & Boom: Updated 4th of July Safety Tips for Homeowners (2025 Edition)