Firework and BBQ Safety

The summer season usually means barbecues and parties. The most awaited holiday — the 4th of July — involves a host of festivities including cookouts and fireworks displays. Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, never wants to see a celebration or outdoor cooking event result in an injury or fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports a yearly average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks and 9,600 fires caused by barbecues. In the midst of a celebration, fire safety concerns are not always high on our lists to avoid. Try to keep these basic fire prevention and precaution tips in mind to ensure your parties remain both fun and safe.

Barbecue Grill Safety

While barbecue parties are a great way to bond with friends and family, they also present a potential risk of fire. Most injuries from barbecue grills occur due to structure fires. And on average, gas grills cause more fires than coal-fired grills. The main cause of barbecue-related fires is the incorrect usage of the grill. Some common causes are:

• The grill was not cleaned properly.
• Leaks or breaks in propane supply lines.
• Leaving the grill lit and unattended.
• Flammable objects were kept close to the grill.
• The propane was turned on with the grill lid closed before attempting to light the grill.
• The grill was accidentally knocked over.
• The grill was used indoors.

The best way to avoid grill-related fires is to follow these safety precautions. Place your grill in an open ventilated area, as far as possible from the house or any wooden structure, like the railing of a deck. Check the connections on the propane lines from the tank to the grill before using the grill. Clean your grill to ensure that no leftover grease and fat builds up. Finally, keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

Firework Safety

Fireworks can be quite dangerous if not handled properly. The Consumer Product Safety Division reports that on average 280 people that go to emergency rooms around the 4th of July holiday are there because of fireworks-related injuries. Additionally, fireworks cause one-half of the fires on or around the 4th of July.

These fires are caused when lit fireworks (rockets, sparklers, etc.) come in contact with flammable objects. Launched fireworks rockets can accidentally fly into bushes, grass, and start a fire.

The National Council of Fireworks Safety provides the following safety tips for the responsible use of fireworks:

• DO NOT allow children to handle or be near fireworks.
• DO keep a bucket of water or water hose nearby.
• DO NOT attempt to re-light a “dud” firework.
• DO light fireworks only in open spaces away from buildings and vehicles.
• DO keep your pets safe inside and isolated from the sound while exploding fireworks.
• DO NOT experiment with homemade fireworks.

When organizing a barbecue and/or fireworks party at home, make sure that you take the necessary precautions to avoid fire and injury hazards. Millions of dollars are lost every year due to fire-related property damage and personal burns originating from fireworks and barbecue grills. If your house has been damaged by fire, call Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277. You can also email us at help@watermoldfire.net if you prefer.