As we approach the 4th of July, Orange Unified School District (OUSD) encourages all families to celebrate safely and responsibly. While fireworks are a popular holiday tradition, they can also be dangerous when not handled correctly.
To help protect our students, families, and community members, OUSD is sharing important firework safety reminders, based on materials courtesy of UCI Health, supported by Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
DO:
- Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers.
- Observe your local and state laws regarding fireworks.
- Have a designated sober adult light all legal fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
- Keep children and observers at a safe distance, ideally behind a protective barrier.
- Store fireworks out of children’s reach.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish used fireworks.
DON'T:
- Don’t allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
- Don’t attempt to alter, modify, or relight malfunctioning fireworks.
- Don’t point or throw lit fireworks at anyone.
- Don’t let children pick up spent fireworks—some may still be active.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hand.
- Don’t consume alcohol or drugs while handling fireworks.
- Don’t forget—you can be held legally and financially responsible for any injuries caused by fireworks.
For more safety information, visit the UCI Health Firework Safety Guide: https://www.ucihealth.org/about-us/news/2025/06/firework-safety
OUSD is committed to promoting health and safety throughout our district. Let’s work together to ensure a safe, joyful, and injury-free Independence Day for all.
From all of us at Orange Unified School District, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July.
