Fireworks Safety for this Upcoming Independence Day!

6/9/2017 (Permalink)

With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, it’s time to start planning and lining up the fun and entertainment. Many of us Michiganders will be lighting off fireworks in tradition and celebration of our country’s independence. In 2012, Michigan enacted a new firework law, allowing for state residents to purchase and operate bigger fireworks, year-round. Consumer-grade fireworks are now legal for purchase from state-authorized retailers, and must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. This genre includes roman candles, bottle rockets, aerials, missile-type rockets, and reloadable shell devices. With these this new law comes more need for added safety to discharge these larger fireworks. Not only is there a heightened risk for bodily injury, with approximately 8,600 injuries caused by fireworks each year and 10-12 deaths, but fireworks are also responsible for over 2,000 reported structure and vehicle fires. It is important to know and practice firework safety, not only for yourself, but for your audience and guests, as well as your neighbors and all the personal property surrounding the ignition and viewing area. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale is dedicated to keeping you informed and offering way to protect not only your home, but your family as well.

If you plan on entertaining with fireworks this upcoming Independence Day, SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale recommends that you follow this fireworks safety tips:

• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance description prior to igniting.
• Know and obey all your local laws and ordinances regarding the use of fireworks.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from building and vehicles, as well as overhanging trees.
• A responsible adult should always supervise all firework activities.
• Children should never handle fireworks, even sparklers. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle fireworks, under close adult supervision.
• 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.
• Be careful when lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back up to a safe distance.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Don’t try to pick it up right away either. Wait at least 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket if water.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of a fire or other mishap. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water, or place spend devices in a bucket of water for a few hours before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Use Common Sense. Never point or throw fireworks at any living thing. Never carry them in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. Wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale wants you to have a happy, fun, and safe 4^th of July. But hey, accidents happen. If you find yourself in need of fire or water restoration, call us at 248-246-0790. We are available to you 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. Call us any time, day or night and we will be there, SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster.