Don’t Go Out With a Bang: This Fourth of July, Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals and Protect Your Hearing

Don't Go Out With a Bang: This Fourth of July, Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals and Protect Your Hearing

The NYC Health Department Urges New Yorkers to Celebrate Safely and Avoid Preventable Fireworks Injuries and Hearing Loss Over the Holiday Weekend

July 2, 2026 - As New Yorkers prepare to stay safe from extreme heat while celebrating America's 250th Birthday on July 4, the NYC Health Department reminds everyone to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals and enjoy the free, public celebrations safely. Consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City and can cause severe burns, hearing loss, and life-altering injuries. Additionally, an International Aerial Review will also bring more than 100 low-flying aircraft over the New York Harbor. The NYC Health Department encourages New Yorkers attending these events to plan ahead and wear ear protection.

"New York City's Fourth of July celebrations are among the best in the world, and with free fireworks in both the East and Hudson rivers this year, the safest way to enjoy them is by leaving the pyrotechnics to the trained professionals," said NYC Health Commissioner, Dr. Alister F. Martin. "On Saturday morning, we're also expecting more than 100 U.S. and allied aircraft flying at low altitude over the New York Harbor, which will be very loud and last for a long time. Every Fourth of July, we see preventable injuries that can change lives in an instant. Remember to celebrate safely, protect your ears, and whatever you do, don't go out with a bang."

"Fireworks are a highlight of July Fourth celebrations, but they bring large crowds that can exacerbate effects of the extreme, historic temperatures New York is facing," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. "We want everyone to enjoy the events, while taking safety measures like regularly drinking water, avoiding being outside during peak heat hours, and looking out for the people around them. If you start feeling unwell, even in the midst of an exciting event, you absolutely must get somewhere to cool down."

Around the Fourth of July holiday in 2025, there were an estimated 80 emergency department visits in New York City for fireworks-related injuries, according to syndromic surveillance data. Nearly two-thirds of those injured were male, approximately one-third were between the ages of 13 and 25, and one-fifth were children younger than 13 years old. Injuries included severe burns and damage to the eyes, face, hands, arms, legs and feet, as well as hearing loss.

The Health Department encourages New Yorkers to celebrate safely by attending one of the City's free professional fireworks displays along the Lower East and Hudson rivers instead of using consumer fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Never use consumer fireworks, which are illegal in New York City.
• Leave fireworks to professionals and attend a public fireworks display instead.
• Supervise children closely and keep them away from fireworks and sparklers.
• Seek immediate medical attention if someone is injured.

Noise Safety Tips

This year, NYC many celebrations in honor of the nation's 250th birthday. In addition to historic fireworks, an International Aerial Review will take place over New York Harbor and along the Hudson River as part of the Sail4th 250 and America250 celebrations, featuring more than 100 U.S. and allied aircraft led by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, in a ceremonial aerial salute for the United States' 250th birthday. The flyover is expected to begin in the late morning, around 10 a.m., up the Hudson River.

This event is expected to be very loud and to last for a prolonged period, especially in and around neighborhoods along New York Harbor and the Hudson River, including areas near Lower Manhattan, and the west side of Manhattan. Residents, visitors, pets, and people who are sensitive to loud sounds are encouraged to plan ahead and consider using ear protection or avoiding waterfront viewing areas during the event window.

More than 30 million people in the U.S. have hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise. In New York City, nearly one in six adults report ringing in their ears or hearing loss. Loud noise can cause short-term or permanent hearing loss. The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself from hearing damage is to be farther away from the noise source.

The closer you are, the more important it is to use hearing protection.

The best hearing protection fits properly, stays in place throughout the event, and provides enough noise reduction for the environment. These include:

• High-quality foam earplugs.
• Pre-molded earplugs designed for high-noise environments
• Over-the-ear hearing protection (earmuffs)

Specifically, for children:

• Use well-fitting over-the-ear protective earmuffs. The higher the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), the better they protect.
• Use earplugs underneath earmuffs if the child can safely and comfortably wear both. If using pre-molded earplugs, make sure they are a size that fits the child.
• See more information about protecting child hearing.

Loud noises and bright flashes of lights can be stressful and terrifying for pets. Distressed pets may visibly trembly, pace, seek their owner's attention, or hide in small, quiet places such as under furniture or in bathrooms. To protect pets:

• Keep pets indoors. Pet owners can minimize the impact by placing pets in their crate, or a small room where windows are closed. Use either white noise, a radio, or TV to help drown out loud noises.
• Pets may react to fireworks by running away. Make sure pets are leashed and have up-to-date identification tags and microchips and that dogs are wearing their license.
• Visit Lost and Found Pets for guidance if you have lost or found a pet.
• If your pet has as history of being anxious or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy or other treatments.

For additional summer health and safety information, visit Healthy Summer.

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