15 Fire Safety Tips for the Holiday

The 4th of July is this week. You’ve got the grill and the fireworks ready to go. Now is a great time to stop, and make sure you’re ready to celebrate safely.

An average of 19,500 fires are started every year by fireworks. We are in the fire damage cleanup business, so we see it all. One thing we know is that the person calling never thought it would happen to them.

Fire damage to property and injuries can often be avoided, especially around holiday celebrations. Our top 15 fire safety tips will help you have fun and stay safe.

15 Fire Safety Tips for the Holiday

1. Don’t mix drugs & alcohol with fire. This one may seem obvious, but let a “designated lighter” handle the fireworks. Ask everyone else to keep clear of the area by designating a ‘safety zone’ around the area where you are lighting the fireworks.
2. Before grilling, be sure to clean the grill by removing excess grease and buildup. Empty the drip tray below the grill.
3. Make sure your grill has a wide clear zone all the way around it of at least 3 feet. Move it away from the wall and be sure there are no trash cans or other flammables nearby.
4. Never grill inside or under a flammable cover. This sounds obvious, but people try to light grills under porch roofs all the time. Overhanging tree branches, deck railings, and nearby plants are flammable and can cause fires to start.
5. Gas and Propane Grill Safety Checks. 
   • Check propane grill hoses for leaks and cracks before lighting. If you smell the gas anytime while you are grilling, back away and call the fire department.
   • For gas grills, use lighter fluid sparingly and NEVER use gasoline on a charcoal fire!
   • NEVER add lighter fluid to an open flame.
6. Take care of your used coals. It’s easy to forget about the clean up once the celebration starts, but used coals should be transferred to a metal container. Coals should be completely cooled before disposal. Never dump hot coals into a plastic trash can!
7. Ensure an adult is present during fireworks. This one may be even more obvious than the alcohol tip, but all firework lighting should be supervised by an adult… that is responsible enough for the task! Children should keep well away from the ignition area, and be supervised during the time fireworks are in use.
8. Young children should never handle fireworks. ‘Sparklers’ can burn at temperatures up to 2000F, much hotter than most ovens! Fireworks are fun, but are dangerous. Before setting off fireworks, talk to children about fire safety.
9. Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose handy. Douse used fireworks before you throw them away. Be ready to put out any small fires that start. Never try to relight fireworks that do not fire completely. Douse them with water.
10. Don’t modify your fireworks. Use them as purchased and as instructed.
11. Don’t light fireworks near flammable materials or your home. Dry grass can quickly catch fire and spread. Take the fireworks to a gravel or concrete surface. 
12. Keep people and pets safe by designating a ‘no entry’ area around the place you will light the fireworks. Having a large gravel or concrete area designated as the fireworks lighting area will help keep children, pets, and adults safe.
13. Never light fireworks indoors. We wouldn’t mention it, except that it has happened!
14. Obey local regulations. Make sure fireworks are legal in the area where you purchase them or plan to use them.
15. Call 9-1-1 if you see any fires start.

Fireworks are a way to cut loose and enjoy your holiday. With responsible use, they are also safe and enjoyable. Taking the time to plan ahead can save you from the unexpected.

We’re Here When You Need Us

At Branch Environmental, we meet people in their worst moments. The moments no one expected to happen. Home fire damage happens quickly, and is often avoidable with a little care. We stand ready to help you clean up from the fire and recover your life, but we also hope you never need to.

At Branch Environmental, we are experts in fire and water damage mitigation, environmental safety, and air quality, with over 25 years of experience. We treat your home or business like our own. Call us today!

Branch Environmental – Because nobody should live or work in a building that makes them sick.

For more information go to:

1. Fireworks Information Center – US Consumer Products Safety Division
2. Firework Safety – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
3. Grilling Safety Tips – National Fire Protection Association
4. Fireworks, Fires, and Injuries – National Fire Protection Association
5. How To Navigate an Insurance Claim – Branch Environmental
6. Branch Environmental Keeping You Safe – Branch Environmental

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