Celebrate Freedom the North Dakota Way — With Fireworks and a Big Dose of Common Sense!

North Dakota is set to celebrate freedom in sparkling style this weekend! With the 4th of July falling on a Friday this year, you can bet your favorite lawn chair that folks from far and wide will be gathering to light up the sky — and maybe their backyard — with a dazzling display of fireworks.

There’s just something magical about fireworks: they’re fun, beautiful, and — let’s be honest — a tad dangerous, all in the same breath. It’s all fun and games until someone tries to relight a dud or lights a Roman candle a bit too close to the garage. So, before you grab that lighter and your stash of sky rockets, let’s talk safety — North Dakota style. These safety tips are courtesy of Norecast Weather.

First up, leave it to the pros!
The absolute safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display run by trained professionals. Not only do they handle the complicated stuff (like not blowing themselves up), but they also design these shows with plenty of distance and safety measures in mind. Plus, you get to “ooh” and “ahh” without burning your eyebrows off.

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Next, know when to back off.
If a firework fizzles out and doesn’t fully ignite, don’t be the hero who tries to relight it. Give it a good 20 minutes — and then soak it with water for good measure. A dud firework can be more unpredictable than a North Dakota blizzard in April.

Read More: Williston Readies For Fireworks But Knows The Rules

Dress for success.
If you’re determined to light your own fireworks, be smart about it. Grab some safety glasses and gloves. They’re not just a fashion statement — they’ll protect your eyes and hands from stray sparks and sizzling debris.

Dispose like a champ.
Once the show’s over, don’t just toss spent fireworks in the trash while they’re still warm. Drench those used fireworks in a bucket of water and let them soak before tossing them in a metal trash can. That way, you won’t have any unexpected encore performances in your garbage bin.

Watch the kiddos.
And finally, keep a close eye on the little ones. Sparklers may look innocent, but they can burn hot enough to melt certain metals — yikes! Make sure kids are always supervised and understand that fireworks are not toys.

So, as North Dakota’s night skies light up in red, white, and boom, let’s remember: a safe celebration is a happy celebration. Enjoy the chemical wonders of fireworks responsibly, savor every spark and crackle, and keep all ten fingers intact.

Have a fantastic and safe 4th of July, everyone — see you under the fireworks!