Be safe this Independence Day. Avoid firework related injuries & fire damage in Cheatham, Robertson & Dickson Counties.

7/2/2015 (Permalink)

Fireworks by the Numbers

• Fireworks account for 2 out of 5 of all reported fires on Independence Day, more than any other cause.
• Fireworks cause close to 20,000 reported fires each year - 1,200 of which are structure fires.
• These fires result in civilian injuries and around $32 million in direct property damage.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Sources: NFPA’s Fireworks Fact Sheet, Fire Analysis and Research Division, June 2014 & http://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/