Missouri – As Missouri moves toward the nation’s 250th anniversary, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is asking residents to keep the Fourth of July festive without letting the holiday turn careless.
“It is an exciting and historical moment for our country, but I encourage Missourians to celebrate responsibly,” Hanaway said. “Independence Day brings traffic to our roads, boats to our waterways, and fireworks to our skies. A few simple precautions can ensure safety for everyone celebrating our nation’s birthday.”
The reminder comes as fireworks season begins across the state. In Missouri, legal firework sales run from June 20 through July 10, giving families and communities several days around Independence Day to buy and use fireworks. But Hanaway’s office is warning that the same traditions that light up backyards and neighborhoods can quickly become dangerous when basic safety rules are ignored.
The Attorney General’s Office is urging adults to keep fireworks out of children’s hands, avoid using them while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and keep a safe distance once they are lit. Residents are also reminded not to relight a firework that fails to go off. Used or malfunctioning fireworks should be soaked in water before being thrown away.
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Location matters, too. Fireworks should only be used in clear outdoor areas away from people, buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable materials. Missourians are also encouraged to check local ordinances, since some cities or counties may restrict fireworks near places such as schools, churches or hospitals.
The holiday can also be stressful for pets. Hanaway’s office recommends keeping animals indoors and making sure they have ID tags in case loud fireworks frighten them and they run away.
The safety message stretches beyond the driveway. With parades, public fireworks shows and family gatherings expected to draw more people onto roads and waterways, residents are encouraged to follow law enforcement instructions and check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at https://traveler.modot.org/map/ for road closures, delays, construction zones and alternate routes.
Boaters are being reminded to wear life jackets when near, on or in the water, watch their wake, and share Missouri’s lakes and rivers responsibly. State law also prohibits discharging fireworks from a vessel. Anyone operating a vehicle or boat should stay sober if alcohol or other impairing substances are part of the celebration.
Hanaway’s office also urged residents not to leave children or valuables unattended and to report anything suspicious to local law enforcement.
The message is simple: celebrate loudly, proudly and safely. For Missouri families preparing for cookouts, crowded roads, lake trips and fireworks after dark, a little caution could make the holiday memorable for all the right reasons.
