Fire Safety for Enjoying the Fireworks

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

As reported by the NFPA, the number of fires started by fireworks exceeds 19,500 every year.

Fireworks and the 4th of July go hand-in-hand. In fact, fireworks are a summer staple, but they are not without their safety hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, consumer fireworks, which are fireworks marketed to the public- not professionals-, are the reason behind thousands of injuries each year. When fireworks are handled and operated by people who are not professionals, potential consequences often include fires, devastating burn injuries, and even death. Before the 4th of July and your other firework-filled summer celebrations, it is important to be familiar with the safety risks associated with fireworks. Keep reading to learn more.

Fireworks and Their Fire Safety Hazards

As reported by the NFPA, the number of fires started by fireworks exceeds 19,500 every year. From this statistic, we can deduce that unprofessional fireworks threaten the safety of properties, both residential and commercial, in environments in which consumer fireworks are handled. Of these fires, the National Safety Council asserts that 1,300 are structural fires and 300 are vehicle fires. Both the NFPA and the NSC advise against home usage of fireworks and instead, they recommend that fireworks are left to the professionals. In order to partake in the summer tradition while keeping your home safe and ensuring the safety of people and properties in your surrounding area, consider attending a professional fireworks show or watching a televised show.

When Using Legal Fireworks…

While large consumer fireworks are generally illegal in our area, some consumer fireworks, like sparklers and firecrackers, are legal in Pennsylvania. Bear in mind that display fireworks are only legal to use for professionals with a permit. In the event that you choose to use legal consumer fireworks this summer, first consider these fire safety recommendations:

• Do not ignite fireworks indoors
• Children should never have access to fireworks without adult supervision. Even holding a sparkler can be dangerous, as they burn at 1200 degrees fahrenheit
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby at all times while handling fireworks in case an unexpected fire ignites
• As soon as the fireworks finish burning, be sure to immediately and completely extinguish them by hosing them down or dousing them with water before disposal

Accidents happen. In the event that your home or commercial property endures fire damage this summer, pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Harrisburg West at (717) 510-6779 as soon as possible. Check out the rest of our website to learn more about our Residential and Commercial Fire Damage Restoration services. After any fire emergency- large or small- trust SERVPRO Team Wall to make it “Like it never even happened” and restore your property to its preloss condition.