MARQUETTE, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — To keep people safe this Fourth of July, regulatory agencies across the state and country are providing a variety of reminders to keep everyone safe.
Picnic-goers, here’s your food preparation safety guide
While they may seem simple, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders of critical food safety practices. These include:
Practice good hand hygiene while preparing and handling food by thoroughly washing hands before and after cooking and eating to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria
Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw meat and vegetables and using different boards and utensils as well as cleaning grill before use and washing fruits and vegetables completely
Kill bacteria in food during cooking of raw meat, which must be cooked thoroughly and can be checked by a food thermometer
Keep foods at an appropriate temperature to avoid the expedited growth of germs that occurs between 40°F and 140°F
Store leftovers safely by dividing leftovers into smaller portions, placing them into shallow containers and refrigerate promptly
Grilling safety during the holiday: keep the flames on the food
A classic Fourth of July tradition is to gather in the backyard for a barbeque with loved ones. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) — The Auto Club Group, July is the peak month for grill-related fires. Homeowners should follow these safety tips:
Supervise the grill at all times and never leave it unattended.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance to prevent accidents.
Place the grill away from homes, decks, and trees to avoid fire hazards.
Never grill indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Keep a fire extinguisher and water source handy for emergencies.
Use long-handled tools to prevent burns and flare-ups.
Legality of fireworks in Michigan explained by MSP
According to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, communities with an ordinance regulating the use of consumer fireworks, Michigan residents can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks after 11 a.m. on the following days:
June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) also remind Michiganders to check the current fire risk and daily fire danger rating in your area.
Additionally, only purchase consumer fireworks from a licensed retailer to avoid fake, illegal or poorly made products that may be mislabeled or dangerous.
Keep the name in mind: fireworks cause fires
“Fireworks are a beautiful part of the holiday, but safety should always come first,” said AAA representative Adrienne Woodland. “A few precautions can keep the night dazzling without unwanted explosions.”
The main event and primary symbol of Independence Day is often one of the most dangerous parts: fireworks.
In 2022 alone, fireworks ignited 31,302 fires, including 3,504 structure fires and nearly $109 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Here’s how to prevent fires on the holiday:
Keep a safe distance fireworks should stay far away from homes, vehicles, and trees.
Choose public fireworks displays for a safer professional experience.
Never allow children handle fireworks sparklers burn hotter than blowtorches.
Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby for quick fire suppression.
Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
Skip alcohol and impairing substances while handling fireworks.
Unsafe fireworks handling can lead to injury or death
Early 2024 data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries, a 52 percent increase from the previous year. Eleven deaths were also reported. Experts point to misuse, malfunctioning devices, and illegal fireworks as major contributing factors.
Sparklers burn between 1,200°F and 1,800°F, hotter than glass melts. For perspective, cake bakes at 350°
"This time of year, we see several types of injuries related to fireworks. The most common are burns,” says Eric Maki, an Aspirus Emergency Medicine Physician. He notes sparklers as the main culprit: “They’re fun, and I know everybody enjoys them, especially kids, but they burn at extremely high temperatures. Even when the firework is finished, the residual sparkler stick remains hot and can still cause burns.”
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Have a designated adult supervise fireworks activities.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Keep spectators at a safe distance from the fireworks.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY MY UP NOW – WBUP/WJMN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED