It's Fireworks Time - Don't Get Burned!

 

 

Fireworks are a fun and a great addition to any celebration, but particularly the 4th of July. According to fireworksafety.com, however, fireworks result in nearly 10,000 injuries every year! The most common fireworks that cause injury are firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, fountains and other items not actually legal in many states. 

Did you know on Independence Day in a typical year, more fires are reported in the United States than on any other day, and fireworks account for statistically 2 out of 5 of those fires?

Celebrations often include alcoholic beverages. The Fire Safety Council recommends drinking alcohol should wait until after fireworks activities. Nearly 50% of incidents involving fireworks are coupled with alcohol.

Here are some useful tips that can be overlooked when people are using fireworks.

• Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using them. The design and/ or instructions for fireworks you may have used in the past could have changed.




• Have a designated, experienced person or team to organize and shoot fireworks.


Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise children if they are using fireworks and should not allow small children to handle fireworks




• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.


Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.


Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.




Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.




• Never relight a "dud" firework.　 Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.




• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.




• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.


Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.


Be aware of your surroundings when shooting fireworks by avoiding dry brush areas and keeping the spectators at a safe distance


Never point or shot fireworks in the direction of a person, animal or home


Light one firework at a time

In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires including 1,200 total structural fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 8 reported deaths, 40 reported injuries and an estimated $32 million in direct property damage.

Remember to make smart decisions when using fireworks and take proper precautions. If someone is injured by fireworks or a fire is started, contact 911 immediately for assistance.

Southgroup Insurance Services wishes all of you a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!

 

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!