July's Safety Topic - Fireworks and Summer Safety Tips
Did you know?
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, swimming and of course Fireworks! But every year, thousands of people are injured doing the things they love. Below are a few helpful safety tips to help you safely enjoy a few of our favorite summer activities!
Firework Safety
As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy. According to CPSC there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 14,700 people who were injured in 2024. Compared to 2023, this was a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.
Source: United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
Water Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning (one in five of those are children 14 or younger).
To stay safe while swimming this summer, it's crucial to prioritize safety measures:
- Always swim with a buddy, never alone, and designate a "water watcher" to supervise children closely, especially those who are not strong swimmers.
- Avoid alcohol and distractions, like cell phones, while supervising or swimming.
- Learn to swim, teach children to swim, and consider formal swim lessons for water competency.
- Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present, and ensure they wear life jackets when appropriate.
- Be aware of water conditions, including currents, waves, and drop-offs, and swim in designated areas with lifeguards.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm, don't fight the current, and swim parallel to the shore.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Learn more about water safety by visiting American Red Cross website www.redcross.org
Grilling Safety
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard.
Statistics on Grilling Fires
Based on 2019-2023 annual averages:
- July (15%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%).
- The grill had not been cleaned in roughly one-fifth (20%) of the fires.
- More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Eight percent began when an outside wall caught fire; 3% began with some type of structural member or framing.
- Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year, including 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Six percent of gas grill structure fires and 13% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.
- According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2020-2024, an average of 21,682 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
Safety Tips
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead. (Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks below.)
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Source: NFPA Research
Please have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!!!!
Courthouse Safety Committee
Ph: 541-294-9156
Email: safety@co.coos.or.us