Carrollton Property Damage Restoration Company Promotes Fireworks Safety

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

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Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton shares fireworks safety tips from the Texas Department of Insurance.

People love to celebrate with fireworks, especially on the Fourth of July. SERVPRO of Carrollton, a Texas damage restoration company, urges residents of Carrollton, TX and the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area to celebrate this Independence Day safely. The first use of fireworks in a Fourth of July celebration was in Boston, MA, in 1777. Founding father, John Adams said he hoped the anniversary of independence would be remembered for years to come by “guns” and “bonfires” and “illuminations.” Since the first July 4 fireworks display took place during the Revolutionary War, some historians think the fireworks were intended as a “morale booster.” The celebrations at the time would have also included the firing of guns and cannons, adding to the explosive nature of the festivities.

Texans love to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks too! Fireworks are legal in Texas, but counties and cities are allowed to set guidelines. Fireworks are generally not permitted within city limits. Some cities extend the ban as much as 5,000 feet beyond the city limits. Special permits are required for fireworks displays for over 50 people.

The National Fire Protection Association offers these fireworks fire & injury facts. “Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.  In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries.”

How to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks

While fireworks are a fixture of many holiday celebrations, these explosives have an inherent element of danger. The Texas Department of Insurance offers the following fireworks safety tips to help people have fun with fireworks and stay safe.

1. Follow local mandates.

Some towns allow only certain types of fireworks, and most areas do not allow fireworks within city limits or during burn bans. Follow the local law and contact the local fire officials if there are any questions.

2. Find out if a permit is required.

Organizers will need a permit from the local fire department if they are holding a fireworks show for a group of 50 people or larger.

3. Hire licensed professionals.

If someone is hired to put on a display for a group, the group organizers need to confirm that the individual has a Texas pyrotechnic operator’s license. To find out if someone is licensed to shoot off fireworks, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 1-800-578-4677 or Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.

4. Check to see if fireworks are legal in the area.

Fireworks can be sold only at certain times of the year, typically during a week or so leading up to a major holiday. Besides the Fourth of July and New Year’s, Texas counties have the option to include Texas Independence Day (March 2), San Jacinto Day (April 21), Cinco de Mayo (May 5), and Memorial Day.

Anyone can use fireworks any day of the year as long as they are not banned in the area where they are being used.

5. Stay safe!

• Children should not use fireworks, and an adult should always be present when children are near a fireworks display.
• Alcohol and fireworks are a recipe for an emergency room trip.
• Always follow the firework instructions exactly.
• Never shoot fireworks around dry grass, brush, or other flammable materials.
• Never aim fireworks at a home, animal, or person.
• Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or another water source nearby for emergencies.

Fire and Water Damage Specialists

When a home or business is dealing with the aftermath of a fire, the damage that it can cause to the property structure and valuable possessions can be extremely devastating. At SERVPRO of Carrollton, the team understands the stress, confusion, and emotions that are present when dealing with this kind of ordeal. The SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled and certified, as well as equipped with fire damage restoration equipment to take special care of the client’s property and possessions. The team will be there with the customer every step along the way to explain the process to help get them through this stressful time.

SERVPRO of Carrollton Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differ greatly and require a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate the process for the typical fire damage restoration.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Conclusion

Texans have much to celebrate, and fireworks are often a part of these celebrations. Following safety tips make for safer celebrations. When a homeowner or business experiences fire and water damage, the repair and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton are available 24/7 with the knowledge, expertise, training, and equipment to restore the structure to its condition before the fire and water damage.

To learn more about the full line of fire and water damage restoration services, visit the SERVPRO of Carrollton website at https://www.SERVPROcarrolltontx.com. Contact a representative from SERVPRO of Carrollton by phone at (972) 446-0383.