Fireworks Safety for the 4th of July Weekend
Everyone loves fireworks, but the general consensus among public safety professionals is that the safest fireworks are the ones at public events, run by professionals, such as the ones that will light up in the skies above Elkins tomorrow night.
You’ve seen the fireworks sold around town, so if you decide to use them, please follow this advice, quoted directly from the National Safety Council (NSC):
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks – those small sparklers are actually among the most dangerous fireworks to handle!
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite fireworks in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never, never use illegal fireworks
Download Fireworks Safety Tips (PDF)
From the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Have a safe, happy Fourth of July weekend!

City Hall News: Week of June 14, 2026
Elkins, WV — June 13, 2026: The City of Elkins is joining the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber, Citizens Promoting Community, and other nonprofits in asking downtown businesses to decorate their storefronts in anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Please contact the Chamber […]
Read More
Elkins is Bringing It for #America250: Don’t Miss These July 4 Events!
Note: This information is subject to change at any time before the 4th of July weekend. Local organizations — including the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Our Town — have planned several events this July to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (the Semiquincentennial, also […]
Read More
Recycling Reminder: Glass and Yard Waste Only
Updated June 12, 2026. The City of Elkins is once again reminding residents about the rules at our yard waste and glass drop-off site. The drop-off site only accepts two types of materials: glass and yard waste. Boxes, household trash, and other […]
Read More
City of Elkins Monthly Newsletter: Reprint, June 2026
If you prefer to have the latest news in Elkins consolidated into a newsletter sent to your email inbox 12 times a year, then please sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also view past editions here. If your community organization […]
Read More
An Invitation to Downtown Business Owners to Help Elkins Celebrate #America250
Updated on June 1, 2026. As preparations continue for our July 4th weekend festivities and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the City of Elkins is encouraging downtown businesses and property owners to help create a festive patriotic […]
Read More
Hydrant Flushing Begins May 26, 2026
Starting Tuesday, May 26, Elkins Water Department employees will be opening fire hydrants to flush out city water lines. During this time, it will be normal to see unattended fire hydrants spraying water under pressure. Customers may experience temporary discoloration that should […]
Read More