Hands of people holding glowing bengal lights
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that 2 out of 5 fires reported on that day are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? Injuries and even deaths due to fireworks also increase during the Independence Day holiday.
According to the latest national data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2015 was the worst year for fireworks injuries in at least 15 years. Injuries from fireworks accounted for 11,900 emergency room visits and 11 deaths in 2015. Of the 11 deaths, nine involved people misusing reloadable fireworks, often trying to hold them when they fired, either on their head or in their hands.
In Michigan, consumer fireworks became legal January 1, 2012, and must meet CPSC standards. They will only be sold to people 18 years of age or older. Low impact fireworks (ground-based items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers) are legal for sale and use.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is professional displays,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “If you do plan to shoot your own fireworks, remember these are explosives and that if used incorrectly, can cause irreparable injury and harm. Certified fireworks retailers aim to make safety their top priority.”
You can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks by following a few simple safety tips…
Proceed with caution!
- Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by trained experts. To find a fireworks display near you, check out the listings HERE.
- Parents and caregivers should always closely supervise children at events where fireworks are used.
- Sparklers burn at more than 1,200 °F and cause 3rd degree burns in seconds.
- Place discarded sparkler wires in a metal bucket filled with water.
- 16% of fireworks injuries each year throughout the United States are caused by sparklers.
- After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over since they may still be active.
- Leave pets at home and keep them inside during firework displays.
For more information, visit http://www.michigan.gov/bfs or Fireworks Safety from NFPA.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety urges Michiganders to follow common sense safety rules this Fourth of July during holiday celebrations Where You Live!
We’re continuing our celebration of Jake the Fire Safety Dog’s 10th Birthday! Families sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jake and Maranda and the WOTV 4 Women team gave Jake a “Maranda Park Party” vest bandana!
Having a campfire can be one of the greatest joys of summer. Whether roasting marshmallows, cooking a meal, or surrounded by family and friends, it’s important to understand how to stay safe around a campfire.
- Select an appropriate location. Before creating a campfire, make sure you understand any rules or regulations for your area. Avoid building the fire near low-hanging branches, tree roots, structures, and other flammable items. Try to choose a location where your fire will be sheltered from the wind and use campfire rings or other designated campfire accessories whenever possible.
- Use the appropriate campfire fuel. Soft woods like pine, fir, and cedar are best for starting a fire. Start the fire by building a small teepee of dry sticks and igniting it with a match. As the fire gets started, add larger pieces of wood. Remember to keep the fire small. Don’t burn items that may explode or give off toxic fumes. Items should never be thrown in a fire. That includes batteries, plastic bags, glass, and aluminum cans.
- Supervise the campfire area continuously. A responsible adult should always be present while a campfire is burning. Encourage small children to stay seated several feet away from the fire. Extinguished campfire areas should still be monitored after the flames have gone out to make sure the campfire does not re-ignite and to make sure that children are not burned by embers, which still retain heat even after the fire is extinguished.
- Completely extinguish the campfire. A roaring fire is both a success, and a responsibility. It is your job to properly maintain and extinguish your campfire when you are finished. Make sure you always have a large bucket of water and metal shovel on hand to put out the fire. Pour lots of water on the fire, drown all embers, not just the red ones, until the hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel and pour more water on the ashes, then feel the area to make sure they are cold to the touch.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that summer activities are more fun when you know that your kids are safe Where You Live!
2017 National Arson Awareness Week: Arson prevention at houses of worship
2017 National Arson Awareness Week: Arson prevention at houses of worship
Arson prevention at houses of worship
For more information on arson prevention at houses of worship, click here
In another joint effort of promoting Community Risk Reduction and keeping residents safe and secure, firefighters from the Saugatuck Township Fire District (STFD) and Graafschap Fire Department installed free smoke & carbon monoxide alarms and shared fire safety information with residents in the Douglas Mobile Estates in Allegan County Michigan on Saturday April 22, 2017.
Kidde smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were purchased through a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant recently awarded to the STFD. Alarms were previously provided through the WOTV4 Operation Save A Life program.
If your are in need of Smoke or CO alarms in your home and you live within the STFD, please call 269-857-3000 for FREE installation in owner-occupied dwellings.
If you live in the City of Grand Rapids, please call 311. If you live in any other West Michigan community, please call toll free 1-844-978-4400 or email [email protected].
Operation Save A Life is a partnership in West Michigan between the ABC affiliate television station WOTV4Women, Kidde Fire Safety, E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety, The American Red Cross of West Michigan and area fire departments.
