Fourth of July Fire Safety
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
Independence Day is approaching and while gatherings are becoming a part of normal activity again, safety should be a part of everyone’s holiday plans. One of the most pressing safety concerns for the holiday is fire safety.
Fireworks are not only a fire hazard to homes and buildings, but they also can cause serious injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission of America, fireworks were involved with approximately 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2019. Fire and smoke damage threatens your home and belonging as well as your general health.
A safe way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a show where professionals can control the environment. On Sunday evening the City of West Palm Beach will host their annual fireworks show, 4th on Flagler, which will also be broadcasted live. If you do choose to create your own fireworks experience at home, it is important to take safety precautions and have an emergency plan.
Setting off fireworks at home
- Set up the launch site on a driveway or paved area at least 25 feet away from homes and flammable materials (dry brush or dry grass).
- Always have water on hand.
- Wear safety glasses when lighting off fireworks.
- Be aware of wind conditions. Rearrange shooting site if wind shifts, to prevent material blowing toward spectators or homes.
- Make sure any fire extinguishers you have are up to date and review instructions on how to operate them.
- Keep people and pets away from the launch site.
- Do not light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Douse the used fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.
- Review list of emergency contact numbers:
- West Palm Beach Fire Department 561-822-2222
- West Palm Beach Police Department 561-822-1200
- SERVPRO of West Palm Beach 561-795-5410
Sparkler safety
- Never light sparklers inside.
- Hold lit sparklers at arm’s length.
- Drop spent sparklers in water as they can remain hot long after they burn out.
- Do not run with, throw or hand a lit sparkler to someone.
Grilling guidance
- Only grill outside. Position the grill in an open area away from the house and anything else that could catch fire.
- Don’t put starter fluid on charcoal coals that are already lit.
- Never leave a grill unattended.
Create a disaster response plan in case of fire, smoke, and odor damage
After a fire is extinguished emergency service is needed to address the fire damage left behind. The SERVPRO of West Palm Beach team of certified technicians respond to emergencies with care and quality service. Our 24 hour service provides a quick response at any time of day or night. We offer inspection and fire damage assessments, upholstery and fabric cleaning, fire and smoke restoration, odor and soot removal and repairs. We help restore the condition of your home and its contents, which will also restore your peace of mind.
Call 561-795-5410 to find out more about fire, smoke, or soot damage and to learn more about our 24 hour emergency service.