June 30, 2025
How to Stay Fire-Safe During Celebrations and Beyond
From lighting fireworks on Independence Day to cooking hot meals during cold winter gatherings, festive activities can quickly spark dangerous fire hazards. To prevent fires during holiday celebrations and year-round, the Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) and the offer simple safety tips.
What Should I Know About Fireworks?
Fireworks can be dangerous. According to the , fireworks started more than 31,000 fires in 2022, causing more than $100 million worth of property damage. If they are legal where you live, keep the following in mind to prevent a disaster:
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Check with your local fire department, county, or municipal government website to see if there is a burn ban in effect. These bans happen when the risk of fire is high.
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Keep a bucket of water or a working hose close by.
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Never try to relight fireworks that don’t ignite.
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Don’t throw fireworks or point them toward anything or anyone.
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Pour water over used fireworks before you throw them away.
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Only light fireworks on stable, hard surfaces. Don’t light them on anything combustible, including grass.
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Consider attending a professional fireworks show instead of lighting your own fireworks. Professionals are trained to safely use pyrotechnics.
Will Insurance Cover Damage From Fireworks?
Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from accidental fires, like those caused by fireworks, but there are exceptions. If you set off fireworks where they are not allowed, your policy might not cover the damage. Check local laws to find out if fireworks are legal in your area. Your insurance company can also tell you if there are any fire restrictions in your policy.
How Can I Protect My Home From Cooking-Related Fires?
Most of us mark the holidays and special occasions with our favorite homemade dishes, but cooking causes more than half of house fires, according to the . Here are simple steps to reduce the risk of house fires during these meaningful celebrations and year-round:
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Stay in the kitchen until you are done cooking. Don’t leave your grill, stove, or oven unattended.
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Keep combustible items, such as cleaning supplies, away from heat sources.
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Use surge protectors and avoid overloading outlets.
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Install and regularly test smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Help for When You Need It
If you experience a fire and need help filing a claim or have a complaint against your insurance company, your state or territory’s department of insurance is here to assist. It can also help if you need guidance selecting the right insurance policy or have any other insurance-related questions.
About the National Association of State Fire Marshals
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) provides a strong, unified voice for fire prevention. Its mission is to protect human life, property, and the environment from fire, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of State Fire Marshals' operations.
About the Â鶹´«Ã½
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the Â鶹´«Ã½, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. Â鶹´«Ã½ staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.