Independence day is just a few short weeks away, and now is a great time for a few fire safety tips to help ensure the security of your home and family. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind this Fourth of July:
Grill Safety
Clean your gill every time you use it. Built-up grease and fat buildup can compromise the integrity of your grill and also lead to a fire.
Always grill outside unless you have a specified indoor grill. Be sure that your grill is in a safe spot away from any structures on flat ground. Uneven ground can cause your grill to become unsteady and potentially fall over. When grilling, be sure to wear breathable clothing that is not too loose. Loose clothing is a hazard as it can quickly catch fire.
Firework Safety
Although fireworks are illegal in many U.S. states, including Maryland, these fireworks cause deaths and injuries every year. The Fourth of July is the main U.S. holiday for firework activity.
Here are a few tips for being safe with fireworks:
- Never use homemade fireworks
- Do not bring pets to firework displays
- Never light fireworks or firecrackers indoors
- Never aim a firework at anyone
- Do not light multiple fireworks at a time
- Do not let children play with fireworks
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- Stay at least 500 ft from firework displays.
With these tips in mind, we hope your family can have a safe Fourth of July
. Fire Tech Residential Sprinklers maintains fire safety for homes in Maryland, Washington DC, Baltimore Metropolitan Area, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Fire sprinklers help provide peace of mind and can extinguish a fire before the fire department arrives. Visit our services page for more information!