Fireworks Safety Tips

7/11/2016 (Permalink)

In order to really enjoy fireworks, you have to be safe.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, 230 people will go to the emergency per day in the month around the July 4th holiday.  The body parts among the most frequently injured are hands and fingers, the eyes, head, face and ears.  More than 50% of firework injuries were burns.

In order to ensure that your family has a safe summer filled with firework fun, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is here to provide you with some firework safety tips from the National Council of Firework Safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Make sure you are familiar with the fireworks you are using.
• Never give fireworks to children.
• Do not drink while handling or watching fireworks.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

To read more about firework safety, visit the National Council on Firework Safety’s Website at www.fireworksafety.org.  To find out specific information regarding fireworks in New York State click here.

Was your home damaged due  to a fireworks mishap?

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is available 24/7 for all of your fire damage needs.  Just give us a call at 845-342-3333 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”