News Flash

Goochland County, Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services, and Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection stresses both fireworks and pet safety during this Fourth of July holiday week.

Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services emphasizes everyone to be extra cautious with fireworks this Fourth of July with the recent dry weather conditions.  Furthermore, they join with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs-State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) in urging everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals.

In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.   Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in the Code of Virginia, can be legally sold, possessed or used within the Commonwealth. In Goochland County the only “permissible fireworks” include sparklers, fountains, and Pharaoh’s serpents.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises Virginians to check local ordinances as well as the Statewide Fire Prevention Code prior to purchasing and utilizing fireworks.  Goochland’s local ordinance related to fireworks is available at https://library.municode.com/va/goochland_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH6PUSASE_ARTIIIFIPRRE_DIV2FI.  

The sale, possession and/or use of any fireworks not classified as permissible is prohibited. 

If you decide to use permissible fireworks, please follow these important safety procedures:

• If you have fireworks, make sure they are on the 2024 Virginia Permissible Fireworks List
• Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision
• Fireworks can only be used on private property with the consent of the owner
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk, or other fire-resistant surface.  Remember fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or live fireworks
• Never use fireworks indoors or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Ensure adequate clearance from people, buildings and combustible material
• Never ignite fireworks during high winds where flying sparks can start a fire
• Have a garden hose or other water source readily available in case of fire
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Never hold the fireworks in your hands while lighting them
• Never point, aim, or throw fireworks at another person
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off
• Be sure children around fireworks know to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire
• Deposit sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on while hot or lost in the grass and stepped on while playing
• The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries or worse is to leave fireworks displays to professionals

If you wish to report illegal fireworks, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (540) 270-6617.

Pet Safety

Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection stresses pet safety this Fourth of July holiday week as the fun and commotion can lead to more pets going missing than any other time of the year.  Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, who can become frightened or disoriented by the sound.

• Keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays.
• If you must take your pet outside, keep them on a leash and close to you.
• Make sure your pet has a current ID tag and microchip.
• Create a safe space for your pet to hide if they’re scared of fireworks.

If your pet has a fear of or aversion to loud noises:

• Something as simple as turning on some soft music and moving your pet into an interior room with no windows can be helpful.
• An anxiety vest may work in some cases—if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt.
•  If you and your veterinarian do decide that anti-anxiety mediation is your pet’s best bet, there are a few things to remember. First and foremost, give a practice dose of the medication before the big night to see how your pet responds to the medication. Second, never share the medication with another pet or give more than the recommended amount. If you do, you may end up spending the holiday at your local veterinary emergency clinic.
• While noise phobias are not as common in cats, they can and do happen. Fortunately, cats tend to hide when frightened. Checking in on your cats, having some quiet music on and keeping them indoors during the height of the fireworks is always a good idea.

If your pet is the type to taste new and unusual things:

• While cats are typically a little smarter than this, some dogs will eat anything, regardless of how it tastes—including fireworks! Never underestimate your pet’s level of curiosity.
• Fireworks contain several types of chemicals and heavy metals. If you set off fireworks at home, make sure you thoroughly clean up the area before letting your dog have access again.

If your pet does get lost, contact Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection and file a lost pet report, for additional information please visit https://www.goochlandva.us/470/Lost-Pets.  Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection will have staff on duty and available during the Goochland County Fireworks for any pets that may escape. 

On behalf of Goochland County, have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!