TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS!

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

As Memorial Day and the 4th of July approach, make sure you and your family are aware of firework safety! We want the holidays for you and your family to be just as they were meant to be, FUN! Often times, though people handle fireworks in an unsafe manner. 

I am sure everyone has seen the viral video, "Back up Terry." In this video a man in a wheelchair lights a firework and there is a malfunction with his wheelchair. He can't get away from the firework fast enough, and the fireworks start going off right next to him. And yes, although we thought this video was funny, we need to realize that this could have ended entirely different and Terry could have been badly injured. 

DID YOU KNOW?

During the holiday months, on average 180 people a day go to the hospital for firework related injuries. We encourage you here at SERVPRO of Birmingham to: 

BE PREPARED!

• Store fireworks away from children
• Always read the labels and follow directions
• Keep small children and pets indoors: they are easily frightened
• Always have water near, in case of an incident

BE RESPONSIBLE!

• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water afterwards
• Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly
• Never re-light "dud" fireworks
• Never keep fireworks in your pockets: the friction could set them off

BE SAFE!

• An adult should always be the one lighting the fireworks
• Keep matches & lighters away from children
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand
• Don't be like "Terry", light firework and move away quickly

BE AWARE!

• Use only legal fireworks
• Make sure you are able to set off fireworks (every state is different)
• Fireworks are prohibited on all state parks, and state or federal forest land
• The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the local fire department responds to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. THEREFORE, DO NOT point fireworks toward homes and keep away from bushes, leaves, and flammable substances.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FIRE, SERVPRO CAN HELP!