Fourth of July Safety Tips

The following is a press release from the North Charleston Fire Department

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, indulging in fireworks and barbeques often top the list of activities to enjoy. To help everyone do so safely, North Charleston Fire Department is reminding people about potential Fourth of July fire hazards and providing tips and recommendations to minimize them.

Fireworks: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Fireworks annually cause devastating burns, injuries, fires, and even death, making them too dangerous to be used safely by consumers. On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for nearly half of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported these firework-related injuries in 2017:

• fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency
• there were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle
• sparklers were the most common type of fireworks causing injury to pre- schoolers
• 400 of the 900 sparkler injuries were related to children under five years
• young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in

Grilling fire safety: According to National Fire Protection Association, July is the peak month for grilling fires. Grills should be placed well away from the home or deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. The grill should also be a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill. Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays below. And never leave your grill unattended.

NFPA reported these grill fire statistics:

• roughly 9,600 home grill fires are reported each
• home grill fires are most often caused by dirty grills, using the grill too close to something that could burn and unattended grill
• leaks were the leading cause of gas grill
• 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July and 58 percent grill on Labor Day (According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association)

For additional fire safety information, follow North Charleston Fire Department on the NorthCharleston.org website, Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and Instagram.

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