(Columbia, SC) – As the City of Columbia joins communities across the nation in celebrating Independence Day and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, City officials encourage residents and visitors to make safety a priority while enjoying holiday festivities with family and friends.
Whether attending a community celebration, gathering for a backyard cookout or watching fireworks, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Fireworks Safety
The City of Columbia reminds residents that fireworks may only be discharged during the hours permitted by City ordinance.
Under City of Columbia Ordinance No. 2023-093, fireworks may be discharged during extended holiday hours until 1:00 a.m. on July 5.
- July 4 holiday period: Fireworks may be discharged from 10:00 a.m. on July 4 until 1:00 a.m. on July 5. (extended hours)
- All other days, excluding the New Year’s and July 4th holiday: Fireworks may not be discharged between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Sparklers and similar fireworks that do not produce an audible report are exempt from these time restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to review the complete ordinance before using fireworks. The ordinance includes where fireworks may not be discharged within the City of Columbia, as well as other prohibited uses of fireworks. (See attached)
The City also recommends the following safety practices:
- Attend a professional fireworks display when possible.
- Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use fireworks outdoors, away from people, pets, homes, vehicles, dry grass and trees.
- Keep water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never relight a malfunctioning firework; soak it thoroughly in water before disposal.
- Adults should always handle and ignite fireworks.
- Never mix fireworks with alcohol.
- Wear protective safety glasses and gloves, and never hold a lit firework in your hand.
Grilling Safety
Backyard cookouts are a Fourth of July tradition, but grilling safely is just as important as celebrating responsibly.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only.
- Place grills at least 10 feet away from homes, deck railings, overhangs and trees. Never grill on a deck.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- Clean grills regularly by removing grease and fat buildup.
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
For charcoal grills:
- Use a charcoal chimney starter or an approved electric starter whenever possible.
- If using lighter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid and never add it to an active fire.
- Store lighter fluid away from children and heat sources.
- Allow coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees, residents should take extra precautions to protect themselves and others from heat-related illness.
To stay safe:
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Seek shade whenever possible and spend time in air-conditioned buildings if available.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and heat advisories.
- Check on older adults, neighbors, family members and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Be cautious around pools, lakes and rivers, and never swim alone.
- Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to life-threatening levels.
The City of Columbia wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. By taking a few extra precautions with fireworks, grilling and extreme heat, residents can help ensure a memorable and safe holiday for family, friends and neighbors.
