Fireworks and Home Fires... What You Need to Know Before July 4th!

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy your 4th of July safely!

An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018.*

Fireworks are a traditional part of most Independence Day celebrations. As beautiful, fun and patriotic as they are; we all know that they can also be dangerous. Here's what you should know before lighting that fuse.....

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should only use them under close adult supervision. 
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands or use them indoors. Ensure that all fireworks are aimed away from people, structures, vehicles, trees and brush. 
• Never light fireworks in a container of any kind and soak all used fireworks in water before discarding.
• Do wear protective eye wear, maintain a safe distance after lighting and keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any malfunctioned fireworks or in case of a fire.

Sparklers 

Sparklers burn 2,000 degrees ** and can easily cause clothing, hair and other materials to catch fire. They may also burn you hands or feet if they're not handled properly or dropped. Safer alternatives for children include glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers. 

We hope, that with these safety tips, everyone can enjoy a fun and safe fireworks show! 

* https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/US-Fire-Problem/Fire-causes/osfireworks.ashx#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20fireworks%20injure%20thousands%20and%20cause%20thousands%20of%20fires.&text=An%20estimated%2019%2C500%20fires%20started,million%20in%20direct%20property%20damage.

**https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks#:~:text=Never%20point%20or%20throw%20fireworks,a%20few%20hours%20before%20discarding