Fire Safety Tips for the Fourth of July in Canton Ohio

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fireworks Safety for Stark County Ohio Residents!

Did you know that fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2015 Fireworks Annual Report, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries.
Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

Below are 10 fireworks safety tips you should use and teach to your kids.

1. Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.
2. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.
3. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
4. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
5. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.
6. Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks.
7. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
8. Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.
9. Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.
10. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

SERVPRO of South & East Stark County wishes everyone a very safe and happy 4th of July!