Fire Safety and the Fourth of July

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Burns account for 44% of firework injuries around the Fourth of July.

This years Fourth of July celebrations are looking to be more robust than usual. It is outside where we can socially distance while still enjoying the holiday and the pleasure of lighting fireworks.  In 2018 fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires including 1,900 structure fires causing 5 deaths and $105 million in property damage. In the past we have posted about fire safety for home and even pet fire safety. Here we want to provide you with some information and preventive measures you can take to stay safe while blowing up some fireworks! 

The danger for some fire works, such as mortars or Saturn missiles are much more apparent than others. For example a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit which is 300 degrees hotter than what glass melts at! Due to the highly combustible fuel and oxidizer used in sparklers they can be a fire and burn hazard. Sparklers should be held at arms length away from your body to prevent burns or clothing fires. In case of a clothing fire use fire blankets or the stop, drop, and roll technique. 

Fireworks are a lot of fun and can be a great way to mark an occasion. Here is a list of general firework safety tips to keep in mind this Fourth of July:

• Older children (never young children) should use fireworks only under the close supervision of an adult
• Only ignite fireworks outside and make sure you use them were you buy them to ensure they are legal
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to use in case of fire or on any malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak all fireworks in water, preferably overnight before discarding
• Light fireworks 1 at a time on a stable and flat platform and keep a safe distance from any lit fireworks
• Wear protective eye wear while setting off fireworks
• Do not hold lit fireworks in your hand or point them at other people
• Do not ignite fireworks in a container
• Store any remaining fireworks in a cool dry place
• Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging. Fireworks produced outside of the US must adhere to US Safety standards to sell their products here and the testing is rigorous.
• Punks or long BBQ lighters are the safest way to light fireworks

From everyone here at SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita we hope you have a fun and safe Fourth of July. Feel free to call our office with any questions or concerns about fire or smoke damage – (316) 684-7600.