Fireworks Safety

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone loves the Fourth of July, and there are so many different reasons to love this holiday: the fireworks, the food and drink, the friends, the fun, and the celebration of our freedom as Americans. This year will be even more special as we move into the months following a tough time for our country, too. 

Here at SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids, we want to make sure that you enjoy your Independence Day festivities to the fullest, so we wanted to take this opportunity to share some safety tips with you to help ensure you and your loved ones are safe during all the fun.

Here are some best practices for your fireworks safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Read the cautionary labels on all your fireworks, and make sure you understand all the performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities, and he or she should make sure no one gives fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix, so please save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting off your fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time and then quickly move away from them. 
• Use fireworks outside in a clear area and far away from buildings and vehicles.
• Always have a bucket of water or properly functioning water hose nearby during the time that you are firing off your fireworks.
• Never relight a firework that didn’t fire properly, and wait for about 20 minutes for it to cool off, then soak in your bucket of water.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into any containers made of metal or glass; they could explode and send dangerous shards into your audience. 
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage, so don’t try to fly with them.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

It’s important that you and all your loved ones are safe while you are having fun. If you do experience a fire, call us here at SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids for help with any damage that may occur. We also handle water damage, large and small-scale cleanup, and mold prevention/remediation.  We are your go-to restoration resource.