How to Prepare for a Safe Fourth Of July

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks are a fun tradition on the Fourth of July, but only if you're safe!

It’s that time of the year again — barbecue, parades and, of course, fireworks and sparklers! But with great celebrations, especially ones involving fire, comes great responsibility. That’s why SERVPRO of Denton has you covered when preparing for a safe Fourth of July.

Though fireworks are legal, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily safe. In fact, the National Safety Council advises people to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by professionals. But if you do choose to use them at home, make sure to follow some essential tips to ensure a safe Fourth of July:

• Keep children safe by never allowing younger children to handle fireworks and ensuring that adults supervise older children.

• Stay sober minded when using fireworks and never try to use them while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

• Protect your body parts by wearing protective eyewear and avoiding holding lighted fireworks.

• Light them in the right place and avoid using them indoors and in close proximity to people, houses and other flammable materials.

• Keep a safe distance from others by not pointing or throwing them at people and maintaining a safe distance after you light them.

• Be careful with malfunctioning fireworks and never re-light or try to handle them but keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish them (or in case there is a fire).

The same seriousness should be taken when using sparklers as they burn at about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals. The National Fire Protection Association states that sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for firework-related injuries.

Consider using safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers, or just sit back and watch the experts do it. But most of all, have fun this Fourth of July and do it safely!

And remember that we are a phone call away, 24 hours a day: (940) 566-2277.