4th of July Safety Tips
Independence Day celebrations call for gathering with friends and family, enjoying delicious grilled food and watching firework shows. Although the Fourth of July is only once a year, practicing firework and grill safety all season is important to help keep your home and family safe.
4th of July Fire Safety Tips to Help Ensure Safe Celebrations
Grill Safety Tips
Grilling is a favorite during the summer season, especially on the 4th of July. It is important to practice safe cooking and be prepared in case a grilling accident does occur. Each year there are over 10,600 home fires that are started by grills (NFPA). Follow these grill safety tips to help ensure a safe grilling experience on the Fourth of July, and all summer long:
- Do not leave a lit grill unattended and make sure that you are actively supervising whenever the grill is in use.
- Never let children operate the grill.
- Place your barbecue well away from any structures, branches, or trees that could easily catch fire and spread.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the grill so you can act quickly if a grilling accident does occur. First Alert EZ Fire Spray is small and easy to use making it a great addition to your grilling set.
Firework Safety Tips
Fireworks can be dangerous and cause fires with improper or negligent use. Each year in the United States, fireworks are responsible for an average of 19,500 fires (NFPA). To help ensure your family has a happy and safe holiday, be sure to follow the below July 4th safety tips when using fireworks:
- Never point fireworks directly at other people or pets, as well as at cars, buildings, and other structures.
- Follow the provided instructions on how to use them. Tampering with fireworks can be dangerous, and it’s never wise to do so.
- Children should never be the ones to ignite fireworks and should always be under direct supervision when using sparklers.
- Designate a responsible adult to light fireworks for children and light them one at a time to ensure the safety of everyone present.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to quickly extinguish any accidental fires.
Be Prepared with a Fire Extinguisher
A vital 4th of July fire safety tip is to have fire extinguishers within reach to help keep your home and family safe. When using fireworks, keep the First Alert HOME1 nearby in case of an emergency. It is a lightweight, rechargeable extinguisher rated to put out multiple types of fires. Once you have your fire extinguishers, ensure you know how to use them properly and safely. Remember the P.A.S.S. technique - pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.