Firework Safety for Independence Day

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Firework Safety and Facts

With the Fourth of July approaching, many people in the U.S. will be celebrating by watching or setting off fireworks. Fireworks are beautiful to watch but can be dangerous if handled improperly. More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries.

Whether you’re celebrating in your red, white and blue, or just enjoying a backyard firework show this holiday, knowing firework safety might help protect you and your loved ones from the potential harms of mishandling fireworks. If fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips from the National Safety Council:

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye wear
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak 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

The safest way to enjoy fireworks it to attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals, however if you choose to put on a fireworks display please be safe and remember these tips.

If fire damage has impacted your home or business, please call SERVPRO of Licking County at 740-587-0938. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.