| Independence Day is less than 24 hours away and | | | | 5) Use care when using lighter fluid. A lit fire can |
| the scents of summer celebration are ready to be | | | | flashback and cause an explosion if lighter fluid is |
| unleashed. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers on | | | | added. |
| the grill, sun-sweetened tea, fresh-squeezed | | | | FIREWORKS SAFETY |
| lemonade, ripe watermelon and emblazoned fireworks | | | | 1) Again, loose clothing is NOT allowed when handling |
| will infuse the backyards, porches, waterfronts and | | | | fireworks. |
| street corners of many American cities and small | | | | 2) Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass. |
| towns tomorrow. | | | | 3) Never stand close to lit fireworks. Always stand |
| A report by the National Hot Dog and Sausage | | | | several feet away. |
| Council reports that approximately 150 million hot | | | | 4) Always read the directions and warning labels on |
| dogs will be eaten by Americans during this year's | | | | fireworks. Unmarked fireworks (no directions, |
| Fourth of July festivities. While only a fraction of that | | | | warnings or content list) should never be lit. |
| number may suffer from injuries related to fireworks, | | | | 5) Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of |
| fire safety cannot be ignored. A day to remember all | | | | water nearby. |
| that America stands for, the Fourth of July is a day | | | | 6) Always purchase consumer fireworks from reliable |
| that Americans must also remember and practice fire | | | | sources and licensed dealers. These dealers will only |
| safety. Failure to practice fire prevention is sure to | | | | carry those products that meet standards set and |
| take the fun out of the Fourth. | | | | enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety |
| The U.S. Fire Administration reports that each year | | | | Commission. |
| more than 8,000 Americans experience fire-related | | | | 7) Lastly, leave fireworks to the professionals. The |
| injuries or damages and more than half of those take | | | | fireworks show will be much more enjoyable if they |
| place during the first week of July. In 2005, | | | | are handled by professionals who know how to |
| approximately 10,800 people made emergency room | | | | safely use them. |
| visits to treat firework-related injuries. The U.S.F.A. | | | | Be sure to follow these tips to protect yourself, your |
| also estimates that cooking grills alone are responsible | | | | loved ones and your home in the event of disaster. |
| for approximately $35 million in property loss. | | | | While you cannot predict a disaster, following safety |
| Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occur | | | | precautions will reduce your risk. |
| during the Fourth of July holiday. While property loss | | | | If your fun is ruined this Fourth of July, are you |
| from fires related to fireworks may be fewer | | | | prepared with adequate insurance coverage? All |
| (because this activity typically takes place outside in | | | | insurance coverages are relevant when is comes to |
| open fields or near water), the past year's dry | | | | fire related disasters. From auto, home, health and |
| weather raises the fire risk. | | | | life, you need to be sure you have adequate |
| Don't let fire ruin the fun for your Fourth of July | | | | coverage to protect you should a bottle rocket |
| festivities. Keep in mind a few simple safety tips: | | | | misfire or other unforeseen Fourth of July event |
| GRILL SAFETY | | | | occur. |
| 1) Do not grill in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide | | | | *Please note that this article is not a professional |
| can be produced. Be sure you are grilling in an open | | | | consultation. This article is for general information only. |
| area. | | | | Always seek specific information from a licensed |
| 2) Never overfill the propane tank. | | | | insurance professional.* |
| 3) BEFORE you use a grill, check the fuel line and | | | | Publishing Guidelines: This article may be published with |
| propane tank connection. The venturi tubes - where | | | | permission by sending a request to |
| the air and gas mix - must not be blocked. | | | | HometownQuotes provides a quick and easy way |
| 4) No loose clothing is allowed while you're grilling! | | | | for consumers to compare multiple insurance quotes. |