Summer Celebrations: Enjoy Safely With Fireworks
As summer approaches, homeowners eagerly anticipate barbecues, parades, and fireworks. While fireworks add excitement to these celebrations, the National Safety Council (NSC) strongly advises enjoying them at public displays conducted by professionals. Even if legal, using fireworks at home can pose serious safety risks.
Fireworks-Related Injuries: A Serious Concern
Each year, thousands of people require medical treatment due to fireworks-related incidents, many of which affect children and young adults. These incidents often occur when amateurs use professional-grade, homemade, or illegal fireworks. Even less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can cause significant harm. Fireworks are also responsible for starting an average of 19,000 fires annually, leading to extensive property damage and endangering lives.
Fireworks Safety Tips For Homeowners
If consumer fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them, follow these safety tips:
- Supervise Young Children: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Avoid Impairment: Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Wear Protective Eyewear: Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Handle with Care: Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands or light them indoors. Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
- Maintain Safety Distance: Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Light one device at a time and keep a safe distance after lighting.
- Avoid Re-lighting Malfunctioning Fireworks: Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water for a few hours before discarding them.
- Proper Disposal: Soak spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
- Use Legal Fireworks Only: Never use illegal fireworks.
For a safer experience, consider attending a professional fireworks show. Grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back, and let the experts handle the fireworks display.
Sparklers: A Hidden Danger
The sparklers may seem harmless, but they are more dangerous than they appear. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals. They can ignite clothing and cause severe burns if dropped. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for over 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers to maintain the fun without the risk.
Homeowners’ Fire Safety During Celebrations
As a homeowner, be aware of fire safety during summer celebrations. Fireworks can cause injuries and pose a significant risk to your property. Here are additional fire safety tips:
- Check Fire Alarms: Ensure your home’s fire alarms are working properly.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
- Clear Flammable Materials: Remove dry leaves and other flammable materials from your yard.
- Have a Fire Escape Plan: Ensure your family has a fire escape plan in place.
FAQs
Q: Why are fireworks dangerous even if they are legal?
A: Fireworks can cause serious injuries and start fires, even legal ones. Professional displays are safer because they are managed by experts.
Q: What should I do if a firework doesn’t go off?
A: Never try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water for a few hours before disposing of them.
Q: Are sparklers safe for children?
A: No, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe burns. They account for a significant percentage of fireworks-related injuries in young children.
Fireworks are an exciting part of summer celebrations, but they come with significant risks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public displays conducted by professionals. If you choose to use legal fireworks at home, follow the provided safety tips to minimize the risk of injury and fire. For a safer and equally enjoyable experience, consider alternatives like glow sticks and confetti poppers. Stay safe, and have a wonderful summer!
FYI: To keep your pets safe, it’s best to keep them indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to help drown out the loud noises.
Celebrate Responsibly This Summer
As you plan your summer activities, make safety a priority. Valuable resources are available to help you keep your family safe. Discover tips on grilling safety, outdoor activities, fireworks safety, and emergency preparedness.
Contact Metro Boston Property Inspections at (781) 828-1972 or Click Here to Schedule Now for professional Boston MA home inspection services. Have a fun, safe summer!
