Helping Enjoy a Safe Fireworks Display and Avoid Fire Damage

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton advises Farmers Branch, TX, residents on how to safely set off fireworks.

The team of property damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton is ready to provide fire damage restoration services when fireworks cause a fire damage disaster. To prevent personal injuries and fire damage from fireworks and to promote the proper, safe use and enjoyment of fireworks, SERVPRO of Carrollton offers these helpful tips to families in Farmers Branch and the greater Carrollton, TX area.

The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) chronicles the history and significance of fireworks over the last 2000 years: “Many historians believe that fireworks originally were developed in the second century B.C. in ancient Liuyang, China. It is believed that the first natural “firecrackers” were bamboo stalks that when thrown in a fire, would explode with a bang because of the overheating of the hollow air pockets in the bamboo. The Chinese believed these natural “firecrackers” would ward off evil spirits.”

Later technological advances saw the invention of gunpowder and the first fireworks. According to the article, “Sometime during the period 600-900 AD, legend has it that a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal to produce a black, flaky powder – the first ‘gunpowder.’  This powder was poured into hollowed-out bamboo sticks (and later stiff paper tubes) forming the first man-made fireworks.”

As part of the American experience, fireworks have a rich heritage that reaches from the first Independence Day in 1776 to the present. The APA writes, “Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the New World, and fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day – a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped “with pomp, parade….bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” Americans’ spirit of celebration continued to grow, and in the late 18th century, politicians used displays to attract crowds to their speeches.”

The enjoyment of fireworks on and around July 4th is an epic event. Fireworks are also used throughout the year for celebrations at town festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and sporting events such as car races and football games.

Fireworks Safety Tips

The personal use of fireworks is carefully regulated to protect the physical safety and prevent fires and fire damage. Keep the fireworks celebration enjoyable by following this checklist of safety tips to ensure family and guests stays out of harm’s way when pyrotechnics are in use.

1. Select a safe site.

Stage the fireworks display from a location that is free of overhanging trees. The ground should be flat, firm, and free of combustible materials such as dry grass or hay and old buildings. Consider neighbors, veterans, and pets that might be traumatized by the loud, unexpected explosions and bright flashes of light. Do not ignite fireworks on the back deck or patio. Cordon off the “light-and-launch” area with yellow or orange safety tape.

2. “Light and launch” only in safe weather.

Wind and fireworks are a potentially dangerous combination. Sparks can blow onto dry grass or fields, causing a wildfire. A gust of wind can topple a rocket or mortar, which at that point becomes a dangerous projectile. Keep in mind that in some municipalities, the persons responsible for hosting the fireworks display may be liable for any costs associated with extinguishing a fire caused by the fireworks discharged at the event. A small brush fire engulfing a small area of several acres could cost tens of thousands of dollars to extinguish and do hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in property damages.

3. Expect the unexpected.

Keep the following items on hand: a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher, and a garden hose with a hose-end nozzle. In the event of an accidental fire, these tools could be pivotal in preventing personal or property damage.

4. Light the fuse and retreat to a safe distance.

Thirty-five feet is recommended safe distance from non-aerial fireworks and 150 feet for aerial fireworks such as rockets and mortars. Do not light and launch fireworks such as bottle rockets or firecrackers from the hand. Take a “one and run” approach to lighting fireworks. Light one firework at a time. A standard fuse only allows three seconds for a retreat to a safe distance, and attempting to light two or three fireworks simultaneously is very risky. If a fuse falters, douse the firework with water. Do not pick it up for at least 5-10 minutes. Use heavy gloves or a pair of tongs to place the dud in a bucket of water.

For the finale, keep a watchful eye on all children and pets. Know and follow the local fireworks ordinances. Penalties could be harsh. If the fireworks display is large and involves a crowd of onlookers, hire a professional to conduct the show.

Trust the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton for fire, water, storm, and commercial damage restoration. They offer twenty-four-hour emergency service, a rapid response to any size disaster, highly trained restoration technicians, and advanced restoration and cleaning equipment.

For more information about Farmers Branch, TX, fire damage restoration, contact the office by phone at (972) 446-0383 or by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com.