4th of July Safety Tips

Independence Day celebrations call for gathering with friends and family, enjoying delicious grilled food and watching firework shows. Although Fourth of July is only once a year, it’s important to practice firework and grill safety all season to help keep your home and family safe.

Safety Tips to Help Ensure a Safe Fourth of July

Grill Safety Tips

Grilling is a summertime favorite, 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 10,000 home fires 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 in the event that a grilling accident does occur. First Alert EZ Fire Spray is small and easy to use making it the perfect 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 18,500 fires (NFPA). To help ensure your family has a happy and safe Fourth of July celebration, be sure to follow the below 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 firework’s provided instructions on how to use. 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

Have fire extinguishers within reach to help keep your home and family safe during the Fourth of July holiday. 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 or EZ Fire Spray, make sure you know how to properly and safely use them. Remember the P.A.S.S. technique - pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.