On the eve of Independence Day, officials with the Wolf Administration are urging Pennsylvanians to keep fireworks safety and laws in mind. Fireworks used improperly can result in serious injury, cause fires and other damage to homes and property and create liability issues.

“Property damage from fireworks can be costly when it comes to your homeowners’ insurance,” Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller said. “Property damage often means consumers must file a claim, and if a claim results in the insurer making a monetary payment, the homeowners’ premiums could rise as a result.”

Miller noted not all homeowners’ insurance policies are alike, so consumers could run the risk of having a claim denied.

State law prohibits consumer and display fireworks without a permit issued by the municipality where the display will take place.

“All display fireworks that shoot into the air and items like firecrackers, M-80s, and cherry bombs are prohibited for use by the general public,” said State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker. “Any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction may confiscate prohibited fireworks and make an arrest for violation of the fireworks law.”

In 2015, The National Fire Protection Association released a report on injuries, fires and associated losses due to the use of fireworks. The report found in the United States in 2015 there were:

- 11 total non-occupational fireworks-related deaths; 11,900 fireworks-related emergency room treated injuries; 65% of the fireworks-related emergency room treated injuries were burns.

- 42 percent of the firework-related injuries involved people younger than 20 years of age.

- Fireworks cause an estimated 18,500 reported fires per year.

- An average of $43 million in property damage is caused by fires started from fireworks annually.

“The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to celebrate our nation’s independence, and enjoy the summer weather with family and friends. Don’t spoil your celebration with a fireworks related accident that could cause serious injury and significant property damage,” State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay said.

Solobay also said pets should be secured inside, to keep them from running away if fireworks scare them. In addition, there are a number of ways to celebrate the weekend without fireworks, including glow sticks, water balloons filled with colored water and confetti, and noisemakers.

For more fireworks safety tips, visit fireworkssafety.org.