GRANDVILLE, Mich. -- On the 4th of July, we celebrate our country's independence from tyranny as well as our American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. A traditional celebratory event during this holiday are fireworks and, while beautiful, they can also be dangerous if handled improperly.
Serra Honda Grandville is here with some firework safety tips to ensure you spend your 4th having fun, and not in the hospital! Just like we care about your safety on the road, we care about it in life as well and want your 4th of July to be the best (and safest) it can be!
THE FACTS
Before we get into our tips for firework safety, let's talk about why it's so important. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks are responsible for 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structural fires, 300 vehicle fires, 16,900 outside and other fires every year. On top of that, these fires cause an average of three deaths, 40 injuries, and an average of $43 million in property damage.
The NFPA also reported that in 2015, U.S. emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks-related injuries, and children younger than 15 accounted for one-third of those treated.
1. SPARKLERS
Sparklers are popular amongst young children, but they're a lot more dangerous than you think if not handled properly. They can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees - which is enough to melt some metals - and parents should be present at all times to help their child hold their sparkler safely, never let them hold one by themselves. And be careful once they're extinguished too, as the burnt part is still very hot!
2. NEVER RELIGHT A DUD
If your firework reaches the end of its fuse and fails to take off, DO NOT attempt to relight it! The explosion could simply be delayed, and if you're crouched on the ground or holding it in your hand trying to relight it, your holiday will turn horrible in a split second. Instead, wait 20 minutes then soak the dud firework in a bucket of water to ensure that it's completely disabled.
3. ALCOHOL + FIREWORKS = BAD TIME
Alcohol impairs your judgment as well as your motor skills, which are two things you need when handling fireworks! Even if you've only had a couple, you should never be using fireworks when you've been drinking.
4. PROTECT YOUR PETS
Firework safety doesn't just apply to humans, your pets need to be safe too! If you go to a fireworks show, it's recommended that you don't bring a pet. If you do, make sure that they're wearing proper identification just in case they run off due to all the loud noises. If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe interior room to shield them from the sound. NEVER use fireworks near your pets!
5. REPORT ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Illegal fireworks, like M-80s and quarter sticks, should be reported to the fire or police department. No matter what anyone tells you, they are listed as illegal by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. In Michigan, any damage or injury caused by illegal fireworks can stick you with a felony or misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 in fines.
On top of that, their production does not include quality control and they're often coated in explosive dust, which can cause them to detonate if exposed to any friction like that which results from pocket storage. No matter how much of an expert you think you are, these guys are bad news. We know that you may not like the idea of reporting someone, but trust us, you could save lives and property by doing so!
This 4th of July, we all love to go to an awesome fireworks display to celebrate. They're pretty fun to use at home, but they should always be used responsibly. From all of us at Serra Honda Grandville, we hope you have a happy and safe holiday!
Give Serra Honda Grandville, the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan in 2017, a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.
