Statistics indicate that in 2018 fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires.
That number includes 1,900 structure fires as well as 500 vehicle fires. In addition, there were 17,100 fires that were classified as “outside” or “other.”
So what can you do to avoid a house fire this year? Here are some tips and information to keep in mind as you celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.
Fire Information to Know
- Serious injuries and property damage totaling in the millions of dollars are reported each year due to fireworks
- Unsafe use of both illegal and legal fireworks cause a high number of house fires each year. These fires endanger members of the public and first responders. Also, those who use illegal fireworks can be held financially and criminally responsible
- In addition, parents can be held liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks
- When using fireworks please be aware that open areas of grass, crops and vegetation increase the chances of a fire spreading and getting out of hand
- Most states have a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal fireworks. Possession of illegal fireworks could lead to fines and jail time
- Fireworks that are considered safe and allowed for use in your state may bear a seal from the Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Be sure to check with your local government to see specific local restrictions regarding firework use in your area
- Often the safest best is to watching a professionally licensed fireworks show instead of trying to put on your own show
Firework safety tips
- Check that fireworks are allowed in the area you plan to use them. Local ordinances should be verified before buying fireworks
- Only use legal safe, legal fireworks where they are allowed
- Use fireworks approved by your state’s Fire Marshal
- When using fireworks always read the directions first
- An adult should always be present when fireworks are used
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors never indoors
- Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials
- Light one firework at a time
- Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case an emergency
- When shooting aerial fireworks do not shoot them over houses or dead dry trees
Firework injury prevention tips
- Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting the fuse
- Back up several feet immediately after lighting a firework
- Never point or throw a firework at another person
- Never experiment or “take chances” with fireworks
- Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing while lighting fireworks
- Never carry fireworks in your pockets
- Always remember that fireworks are not toys
Additional tips for preventing house fires during Fourth of July celebrations (and year round)
Don’t let kids play with fireworks or fire
Kids playing with fire is still a leading cause of house fires. Statistics indicate that during a study period from 2005-2009 there were 56,300 house fires that were directly caused by kids “playing with fire.”
The best thing to do to prevent house fires caused by kids is to educate children as soon as possible about the dangers of fire. Another thing you can do is try to keep kids under close supervision during time spent at home.
Don’t leave a burning candle
Experts estimate that there are approximately 18,000 fires each year that are caused by burning candles.
A key to avoiding this kind of fire is to never leave a lit candle unattended. Something else you can do is to trim the wick on a candle to reduce the size of the flame it produces. Remember, the larger the flame the greater the danger of it starting a house fire.
Often people may fall asleep while smoking which can cause them to drop a lit cigarette which can then cause a house fire.
Ashes from a burning cigarette can also cause a house fire. Experts say approximately 1,000 people die each year due to house fires caused by smoking. To avoid a cigarette-related house fire, require smokers to smoke outside the home.
Be careful when cooking
By far the most common cause of house fires are cooking fires. Heat from the stove or grill and flammable food and grease often create a dangerous combination.
To prevent cooking fires, never leave food that is being cooked unattended. Also, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen so that you can quickly access it. Cooking fires often escalate quickly.
Keep appliances and heaters well taken care of.
A common cause of house fires is when something goes wrong with an electric appliance. The truth is a faulty appliance can cause a damaging house fire with just a few sparks.
This is why it is important to stay in the vicinity of an object when it is turned on and running, whenever possible. By being nearby, you may be able to spot the sparks or smell the smoke and prevent an appliance-related house fire from getting worse and causing more extensive damage.
Things to look for include frayed wires, appliances that become hot to the touch and appliances turning on and off on their own. You should also be careful about what is in front of a space heater when it is being used.
Selling a fire damaged house
If you do suffer a house fire during the Fourth of July, or at any other time of the year, you can sell your house in “as is” condition to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses.
We pay a great price and in all cash so that you can get your money fast, not have to worry about making repairs, and move on with your life in a new home. That’s right, instead of worrying about hiring a contractor and going through a noisy, frustrating repair process you can combine your insurance settlement with your sales money to buy a great new house.
To see if your burned home qualifies for a free quote from We Buy Fire Damaged Houses, please fill out the short form below.
Photo by Elisha Terada on Unsplash