Tips to Enjoy a Safe 4th of July

Tips to Enjoy a Safe 4th of July

Independence Day is a great summer holiday, filled with BBQ’s, get-togethers, parades, outdoor time, and especially the fireworks. Fireworks are great to watch, but if they aren’t handled properly, they can cause severe burns, eye injuries, and fires that can cause serious property damage and injuries.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports the following Facts & Figures (www.nfpa.org):

• In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage.
• In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Even innocent seeming sparklers typically burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 300 degrees higher than the temperature that glass will melt.

One of the first things that you should do is to make sure that it is legal to light fireworks in your area. You also need to make sure that there isn’t a fire ban in your area.

If they are legal then make sure that you follow these tips:

• Make sure that the fireworks that you purchase are legal in your area.
• You should never let kids handle or light fireworks. They should enjoy them from a safe distance.
• ALWAYS light fireworks outdoors, and well away from any buildings, vehicles, people, and anything flammable, such as dry grass or leaves, paper, wood, paint cans, gasoline cans etc.
• ALWAYS have a bucket of water, and a hose close by and ready to go (with a pistol grip sprayer and the water on so it’s ready to spray immediately). The proper type of fire extinguisher is a good idea too!
• NEVER hold any fireworks when, or after, they are lit.
• NEVER attempt to re-light a dud. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes, and then put it in your bucket of water.
• NEVER throw spent fireworks into your trash immediately. It’s best to put them all in a fireproof container until they are safe to dispose of. It’s best to soak them all in water before throwing them away.
• If there is an injury, seek medical attention immediately! If it’s an eye injury, DO NOT touch it or even flush it with water. Call your doctor’s emergency line or 911 and seek help immediately to minimize the injury.

Make sure that your holiday is filled with good memories by teaching kids the above rules, and setting a good example for them to follow by following the rules yourself!

Have a fun safe holiday!

By Dan Gillespie
dgillespiewave@gmail.com