Fire Prevention Tips on The 4th of July

We often prepare the inside of our homes with smoke detectors, heat sensing devices, fire extinguishers, and other fire retardant devices.  But what are we doing about fire prevention on the outside of our homes during the 4th of July.  Many people will be buying and lighting their own fireworks. Please take this time to remind everyone in your family about fireworks safety- and in many areas in the country, our dry weather conditions, and the potential hazards that the dry weather poses.

There will be many fireworks firing into the night skies.  Many of these are often done by children and adults-who are fascinated by fireworks, but forget how extremely dangerous they can be. We often fail to remember the destruction and harm to property, and most regrettably, to our loved ones.  These injuries normally occur to teenagers, usually around 15 years of age.  Obviously, the best way to protect your family and friends is not to use any fireworks at home.  Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

If you come across fireworks on the ground after an event, leave those pieces alone.  They are not souvenirs. And some may still be ignited and can explode. Make certain that you are far enough away from the professionals lighting fireworks; fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

As many of you are aware, this has been a busy fire season so far. While fireworks are great to watch, let us keep the fire danger in mind. Should you choose to display your own fireworks, please use only legal fireworks and have only adults lighting them. If you allow your child to hold sparklers only do so with proper supervision. Please remember, sparklers are not toys.  They can reach 2,000o Fahrenheit--hot enough to melt some metals. Although these and other fireworks are legal they should be treated with respect. While they do not project or explode, a sparkler still emits hot particles that may injure you or your child by getting in your eye or on your skin.

And during this very festive holiday, please keep all of the folks in our armed services, firefighters, police officers, emt’s and volunteers who are on the front lines, in your thoughts and in your prayers. They are working in a very hazardous environment to protect us; to protect our homes, to protect our lives and to protect our property. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Related Articles:

Fourth of July Barbeque Tips 

4th of July Fireworks Safety 

Independence Day Safety 

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