GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Over the next week, you and your pets will be seeing and hearing fireworks around West Michigan in celebration of the holiday.
If fireworks are loud around humans, that means they are especially loud for our furry friends.
Making preparations now can help keep your pet happy and safe over the next few days.
Fourth of July Pet Tips
The first thing you need to do is make sure your pet, both cats and dogs, has ID tags with their name and your contact information.
Getting your pet microchipped also improves your chances of getting them back if they do become lost. Make sure your information is up-to-date in the microchip registry.
You could also always use a permanent marker to write your information on the inside of your pet's collar, but keep in mind collars sometimes fall off, which is why microchipping is highly recommended.
During celebrations, create a safe haven for your pet inside your home. Turn the TV or radio on to muffle the noise from outdoors.
Some animals may need medication to keep them calm. Talk to your veterinarian if you think that is necessary.
Keep doors locked and make sure outdoor gates and fences are secure.
Leave your pet at home if you're attending celebrations, and if the party is at your home, keep them inside when setting off fireworks.
If your pet still gets lost, post a recent picture of them on Lost and Found social media sites and check with your local shelter or vet offices.
What to do if your pet is lost
If your pet does get loose during the fireworks, the Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) recommends that you:
- Post found pets to local Facebook groups and Nextdoor, or
- Hang flyers in the area where the animal was found.
If you see a lost animal, you can also call Kent County Sheriff’s Animal Control at (616) 632-7310.
Fireworks Regulations in Grand Rapids
The Fourth of July is one of five holidays where the City of Grand Rapids allows the lighting of fireworks at home, but city officials are urging residents to know the rules.
The city's fire and police departments are asking people to use extreme caution and to review fireworks regulations and safety tips.
Grand Rapids has its own fireworks ordinance that carries a $1,000 penalty if violated.
The ordinance permits firework use surrounding the following holidays:
- New Year's Eve - 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. on Jan. 1
- Memorial Day - 11 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day
- Juneteenth - 11 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on June 19
- 4th of July - 11 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on June 29 through July 4
- Labor Day - 11 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day
“Our goal every year is to promote fireworks safety to ensure that not a single family in Grand Rapids suffers the pain and sorrow of a fireworks injury,” Fire Marshal Bill Smith of the GRFD Fire Prevention Division said. “Fireworks can be a source of great joy and excitement, but it is crucial that we prioritize safety above all else. We urge all residents to familiarize themselves with the regulations and exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks."
The city also provided a list of fireworks safety tips ahead of the holiday:
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions labeled on the fireworks packaging.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite any fireworks.
- Sparklers, although considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for children, burn at extremely high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Many children do not understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials. Never light a firework while holding it in your hand.
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. “DUDS” can re-ignite and injure you. If you must move them, consider scooping them up with a shovel, and dropping them into a bucket of water to extinguish. Throw them away after they are extinguished.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
- Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never mix fireworks and alcohol.
- Observe local laws.
- State law prohibits igniting fireworks on a public street, public sidewalk, park, church, school or public rights of way.
- Before retiring for the evening, make sure that your yard, shrubbery, trees and your home are free of any unwanted burning. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.
If you are looking for a more professional fireworks display, the City of Grand Rapids is hosting its annual fireworks display on July 6.
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