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. FIREWORKS SAFETY
will infuse the backyards, porches, waterfronts and1) Again, loose clothing is NOT allowed when handling
street corners of many American cities and smallfireworks.
towns tomorrow.2) Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
A report by the National Hot Dog and Sausage3) Never stand close to lit fireworks. Always stand
Council reports that approximately 150 million hotseveral feet away.
dogs will be eaten by Americans during this year's4) Always read the directions and warning labels on
Fourth of July festivities. While only a fraction of thatfireworks. Unmarked fireworks (no directions,
number may suffer from injuries related to fireworks,warnings or content list) should never be lit.
fire safety cannot be ignored. A day to remember all5) Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of
that America stands for, the Fourth of July is a daywater nearby.
that Americans must also remember and practice fire6) Always purchase consumer fireworks from reliable
safety. Failure to practice fire prevention is sure tosources and licensed dealers. These dealers will only
take the fun out of the Fourth.carry those products that meet standards set and
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that each yearenforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
more than 8,000 Americans experience fire-relatedCommission.
injuries or damages and more than half of those take7) Lastly, leave fireworks to the professionals. The
place during the first week of July. In 2005,fireworks show will be much more enjoyable if they
approximately 10,800 people made emergency roomare handled by professionals who know how to
visits to treat firework-related injuries. The U.S.F.A.safely use them.
also estimates that cooking grills alone are responsibleBe sure to follow these tips to protect yourself, your
for approximately $35 million in property loss.loved ones and your home in the event of disaster.
Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occurWhile you cannot predict a disaster, following safety
during the Fourth of July holiday. While property lossprecautions will reduce your risk.
from fires related to fireworks may be fewerIf your fun is ruined this Fourth of July, are you
(because this activity typically takes place outside inprepared with adequate insurance coverage? All
open fields or near water), the past year's dryinsurance coverages are relevant when is comes to
weather raises the fire risk.fire related disasters. From auto, home, health and
Don't let fire ruin the fun for your Fourth of Julylife, you need to be sure you have adequate
festivities. Keep in mind a few simple safety tips:coverage to protect you should a bottle rocket
GRILL SAFETYmisfire or other unforeseen Fourth of July event
1) Do not grill in enclosed areas - carbon monoxideoccur.
can be produced. Be sure you are grilling in an open*Please note that this article is not a professional
area.consultation. This article is for general information only.
2) Never overfill the propane tank.Always seek specific information from a licensed
3) BEFORE you use a grill, check the fuel line andinsurance professional.
propane tank connection. The venturi tubes - where