Countdown to the new year! And with that, drinking, partying, and celebrating. We all enjoy bonfires, sparklers, and fireworks to start off the new year with a bang! Fire and fireworks can be fun, but they can also be dangerous if used carelessly. in fact, fireworks alone were responsible for some 11,000 injuries in 2016 alone. So, let one of your resolutions this year be New Year’s safety with these firework safety tips.
New Year’s Safety: before lighting fireworks:
- Make sure there are no overhead obstructions such as trees.
- Stay away from dry grass or other flammable materials.
- Know the law in your area for fireworks.
- Never allow fire from a match, cigar/cigarette, or other fireworks to get anywhere near where you are storing the rest of the fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose withing reach.
Happy New Year from your friends at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North and SERVPRO of Plantation!
New Year’s Safety: while lighting fireworks:
- Wear safety glasses, and make sure young children have ear protection when lighting larger fireworks.
- Only give age-appropriate fireworks to children (such as sparklers) and only under direct supervision.
- Keep pets safely indoors. Fireworks tend to spook animals and they can get hurt!
- Never try to light damaged fireworks- wet them down and throw them out.
- Never let someone under the influence light fireworks!
New Year’s Safety: after lighting fireworks:
- After the fireworks burn out, wet them down as you go. Wet them down again before throwing out.
- Any “duds” should be thoroughly wet when they don’t go off.
- Pick up debris from any sparklers, bottle rockets, etc.
- Store any unused fireworks in a cool, dry place away from all potential fire starters or fire hazards.
For more information on firework safety, click here. And for all of your fire and water damage needs, call SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North or SERVPRO of Plantation for 24/7 emergency service every day of the year.