Fun On The Fourth = Fire Risks Are More Abundant

Independence Day is less than 24 hours away andthe air and gas mix - must not be blocked.
the scents of summer celebration are ready to be4) No loose clothing is allowed while you're grilling!
unleashed. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers on5) Use care when using lighter fluid. A lit fire can
the grill, sun-sweetened tea, fresh-squeezedflashback and cause an explosion if lighter fluid is
lemonade, ripe watermelon and emblazoned fireworksadded.
will infuse the backyards, porches, waterfronts andFIREWORKS SAFETY
street corners of many American cities and small1) Again, loose clothing is NOT allowed when handling
towns tomorrow.fireworks.
A report by the National Hot Dog and Sausage2) Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Council reports that approximately 150 million hot3) Never stand close to lit fireworks. Always stand
dogs will be eaten by Americans during this year'sseveral feet away.
Fourth of July festivities. While only a fraction of that4) Always read the directions and warning labels on
number may suffer from injuries related to fireworks,fireworks. Unmarked fireworks (no directions,
fire safety cannot be ignored. A day to remember allwarnings or content list) should never be lit.
that America stands for, the Fourth of July is a day5) Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of
that Americans must also remember and practice firewater nearby.
safety. Failure to practice fire prevention is sure to6) Always purchase consumer fireworks from reliable
take the fun out of the Fourth.sources and licensed dealers. These dealers will only
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that each yearcarry those products that meet standards set and
more than 8,000 Americans experience fire-relatedenforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
injuries or damages and more than half of those takeCommission.
place during the first week of July. In 2005,7) Lastly, leave fireworks to the professionals. The
approximately 10,800 people made emergency roomfireworks show will be much more enjoyable if they
visits to treat firework-related injuries. The U.S.F.A.are handled by professionals who know how to
also estimates that cooking grills alone are responsiblesafely use them.
for approximately $35 million in property loss.Be sure to follow these tips to protect yourself, your
Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occurloved ones and your home in the event of disaster.
during the Fourth of July holiday. While property lossWhile you cannot predict a disaster, following safety
from fires related to fireworks may be fewerprecautions will reduce your risk.
(because this activity typically takes place outside inIf your fun is ruined this Fourth of July, are you
open fields or near water), the past year's dryprepared with adequate insurance coverage? All
weather raises the fire risk.insurance coverages are relevant when is comes to
Don't let fire ruin the fun for your Fourth of Julyfire related disasters. From auto, home, health and
festivities. Keep in mind a few simple safety tips:life, you need to be sure you have adequate
GRILL SAFETYcoverage to protect you should a bottle rocket
1) Do not grill in enclosed areas - carbon monoxidemisfire or other unforeseen Fourth of July event
can be produced. Be sure you are grilling in an openoccur.
area.*Please note that this article is not a professional
2) Never overfill the propane tank.consultation. This article is for general information only.
3) BEFORE you use a grill, check the fuel line andAlways seek specific information from a licensed
propane tank connection. The venturi tubes - whereinsurance professional.