Practice Firework Safety to Prevent Home Damage and Bodily Injury

7/2/2017 (Permalink)

Photo courtesy of CPSC and newsweek.com

Celebrating the summer brings gatherings, food, and on holidays - fireworks. While the lights of a backyard firework show or small handheld sparkler can be fun there are dangers just underneath the lights. When celebrating Independence Day, The National Fire Protection Association estimates sparklers account for more than 28% of emergency room visits due to fireworks and of nearly half of all fires reported 47% were started on July 4th due to fireworks.

If used improperly, fireworks can be dangerous. Professionals disagree on the use of personal use of fireworks. Some stating they should only be used by trained pyrotechnicians and others touting a use cautiously approach. HOA’s have weighed in on the matter usually erring on the side of caution and banning them from neighborhoods altogether.

The firework related injury stats can understandably give HOA’s cause for concern. Fireworks cause an average of nearly 18,500 reported fires across the country each year. Smaller hand-held sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room fireworks injuries. The average sparkler is 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 300 degrees hotter than what is required to melt glass, at 900 degrees Fahrenheit!

Other homeowner concerns for fire from fireworks include:

• Roof shingles
• Grass and landscaping
• Siding
• Fencing
• Decks
• Vehicles filled with gasoline in the driveway or street

If you do decide to have a home firework show please do so safely. Here are some tips to help prevent fire from ruining your home celebration:

• Light fireworks on pavement or concrete a safe distance away from your home
• Keep hair and loose clothing tied back
• Keep a bucket of water close and a primed water hose ready
• Light fireworks one at a time
• NEVER attempt to relight a dud firework

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go see a display put on by the professionals. This allows you to enjoy the show with little worry of bodily harm or property damage. SERVPRO of North Raleigh & Wake Forest wants you to enjoy the festivities safely with family and friends. Happy Independence Day!

Source: www.nfpa.org