Safely Enjoying Fireworks in Bay County

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bay County provides fire, water, and mold damage services in Panama City, Carillon Beach, Southport, and surrounding areas!

With the 4^th of July quickly approaching, coupled with social distancing guidelines implemented due to COVID-19, many families are opting to purchase fireworks to set off at their homes instead of going to a large professional fireworks show.  While consumer fireworks can create an enjoyable and memorable family experience, it is important to understand how to properly use them to reduce risk of personal harm or property damage.  According to the National Safety Council, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires and 300 vehicle fires.  Following are some guidelines offered to reduce these risks:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire

In the unfortunate event that a firework mishap results in fire damage to your property, give the professionals at SERVPRO of Bay County a call at 850-785-1077.  Serving Panama City, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, and surrounding areas, our highly trained team is Here to Help!