4th of July BBQs

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

A table full of bbq food, hot dogs, and burgers.

The Fourth of July brings Barbecues, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Everyone loves fireworks. Who doesn’t love the sounds, lights, and colors? But there are some safety concerns that you need to be aware of when handling or being around fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that in 2018, there were 9,100 reported firework injuries and 5 deaths.

If fireworks are legal where you live and you choose to use them, here are a few safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks

• Older children should use them only under adult supervision

• Never use fireworks if impaired by drugs or alcohol

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

• Never light fireworks indoors

• When using fireworks point them away from people, houses, and flammable material

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

• Never ignite devices in a container

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

• Never use illegal fireworks

Another 4^th of July favorite is the sparkler. There is a misconception that they can’t hurt you because they don’t shoot off in the sky, but they can. The National Fire Protection Association states that sparkler injuries make up 25% of fireworks-related emergency room visits. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot enough to melt metal. If dropped on clothing, it can catch them on fire. It can also cause severe burns to the feet if wearing sandals, or if you are barefoot. Glow sticks, confetti poppers, and colored streamers are safer alternatives to sparklers.

We at SERVPRO of Casper hope you and your family have a fun and safe Fourth of July!