What fireworks are legal in North Carolina?
The types of consumer fireworks permissible for use in North Carolina are generally classified as sparklers, fountains, and novelty fireworks. Items that do not have a report (explode) or are not intended to spin or to leave the ground and fly through the air are legal. If you purchased it from a vendor in North Carolina it should be legal.

What fireworks are not legal in North Carolina?
Fireworks items such as firecrackers, ground spinners, roman candles, rockets (including bottle rockets), mortars, etc. Fireworks from surrounding states are not legal in North Carolina.

Who is responsible when shooting fireworks?
If you decide to shoot fireworks you are liable for any injury, death, or destruction of property.

Who can purchase fireworks?
North Carolina law requires the purchaser of any consumer fireworks to be at least 16 years old. In the instance of a public exhibition of fireworks, such as a festival, carnival, etc, a permit from the New Hanover County Fire Marshal’s Office is required. The fireworks must be presented by licensed, trained, competent operators, and a representative from the Fire Marshal’s Office will inspect the pyrotechnics and viewing area to ensure safety.

What are the consequences for using fireworks that are not legal in North Carolina?
Violation of fireworks laws is classified as a misdemeanor, which may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months, depending upon the level of violation. The fireworks laws cover transport, display, storage, sale, possession and use of fireworks.

Are sparklers safe for young children?
Often parents offer small children sparklers, thinking they are a safe alternative. Sparklers reach over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause third degree burns. Keep in mind that glass melts at 900 degrees.

What safety precautions should I take when using sparklers?

• Never hold a child in your arms while using a sparkler.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparkler wire stays hot long after flames have gone out. Be sure to place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never wave sparklers or run while holding them.

What safety precautions should I take when using fireworks?

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. NFPA reports injuries to children 10-14 are twice as high.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water, water hose, and/or fire extinguisher close in case of fire.
• Light one firework at a time and then move away.
• After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent trash fire.

When are the professionals shooting fireworks?
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Riverfront Park, Downtown Wilmington

Did you know…

• Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among children ages 1 to 19?
• Children ages 2 to 5 who use safety belts prematurely are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash than those in child safety seats or booster seats?
• Of those children ages 12 and under who died in vehicle crashes in 2011, 33 percent were unrestrained?
• Children should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old?

For more information on Child Passenger Safety visit SafeKidsNC

Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.

Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Here’s what you need to know!

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Test your smoke alarms every month.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years
  More about staying safe with smoke alarms.

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety tips

• Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  – Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle
  pointing away from you, and release the locking
  mechanism.
  – Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  – Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  – Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.