GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Fourth of July is right around the corner and many people in West Michigan are flocking to fireworks stores to celebrate America's birthday. However, there are some things you should know before you buy.
"Sales have been going great. I mean, with a Thursday Fourth of July, you get to add being able to shoot off on the fifth. So we're expecting about a 20% increase from last year," said Brian Shafer, owner of Jake's Fireworks.
Every year, Americans spend more than one billion on fireworks, with the majority being purchased for the 4th of July holiday.
"A lot of people are excited to buy fireworks this year. A lot of them are just buying a lot of smaller stuff though, this year. The boss said our tent usually sells out between the 30th and the fourth," said Jeremiah Schaaf, employee of a Grand Rapids fireworks tent.
Under Michigan law, fireworks can be set off from June 29 through July 5th from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Anything after that timeframe is illegal.
One store owner said his sales have almost doubled just this weekend.
"Pretty much every day from now until the Fourth doubles from yesterday or the day-before sales. So, that's kind of the standard. It ramps up really fast. We do about 80% of our sales just in the last four days," said Shafer.
Although fireworks can be cool, this weekend, the misuse of fireworks has already caused a housefire and people to be injured in West Michigan. If you plan on setting off your fireworks this week, there are some safety tips store employees said you should know.
"I always say it's better to go up than out when you're talking about fireworks. Fireworks and alcohol don't mix. Please be careful, use eye protection. Let the adults handle it. Soon as you get kids involved, they start doing weird things. Don't do them indoors," said Shafer.
"Bring buckets of water out with you. If you get bigger fireworks, don't stick your face over duds. Light and run," said Schaaf.
So as long as you're following these safety tips, you should be good to go this 4th of July holiday.
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