National Safety Month - Summer Safety

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Identifying risks around your home and improving safety standards protects everyone in your community. Today's Tip: Summer Safety/Fireworks

Every week throughout June is an opportunity to make a difference in your home, work and community.

Identifying risks around your home and improving safety standards protects everyone in your community.

We will post several safety tips throughout the month in our blog. You can also check out the National Safety Council website for tips and resources.

Today's tip: FIREWORKS

It's officially SUMMER - that means BBQs, parades, gatherings, and fireworks. And we are all eager to get out and do all the things we missed last summer!

Although still two weeks away, the backyard fireworks shows have already begun. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals. Take the family to a fireworks extravaganza where you can sit back, enjoy the show, and be safe.

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were badly injured and required medical treatment from fireworks-related incidents. Of these, half the injuries were to children and young adults.

Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year! We know the devastation a fire can cause. Trust us, you don't want it to happen to you!

If you live where it is legal to light fireworks, please use caution:

• Never allow children to use fireworks (even sparklers, a long time favorite for kids, can be dangerous as they burn at about 2,000 degrees - sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for firework-related injuries according to the National Fire Protection Association - consider something safer like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers)
• Never use fireworks if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Never light fireworks indoors
• Never point fireworks at anyone
• Use far way from homes, people, and flammable materials
• Light one at a time and remain a safe distance away after lighting
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water a few hours before discarding

#NationalSafetyMonth