County Offices Closed for July 4 Holiday
Travis County offices are closed for Independence Day on Monday, July 4, 2016.
See full list of county holidays.
Celebrate Independence Day Without Injuries
The Independence Day fireworks sale season begins June 24 and ends July 4. Unfortunately, fireworks-related injuries are also in season during the July Fourth holiday. Instead of taking the risk of buying and using fireworks, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office recommends attending a professional fireworks show.
According to a 2014 Consumer Product Safety Commission study, on average, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month surrounding the July Fourth holiday.
In unincorporated parts of Travis County, the sale and possession of fireworks are legal. Both are prohibited within the city limits of Austin and surrounding municipalities. In addition, fireworks are not allowed in Travis County Parks and parks managed by Travis County.
If the use of fireworks is legal in your area, and you decide to use them, follow these safety tips:
- Buy from reliable fireworks sellers, and never attempt to make your own fireworks or modify existing fireworks.
- To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
- Have water on hand in case of a fire.
- Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
- Read and follow label directions, warnings and instructions.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns.
For more information about fireworks safety, go to: traviscountytx.gov/fire-marshal/prevention.
