A Safe Fourth Starts at Home: MDFR Urges Caution with Fireworks and Grilling

As Fourth of July approaches, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) reminds everyone of how to prioritize safety in order to ensure all Independence Day celebrations remain fun and emergency-free.

While fireworks are a fun part of many Fourth of July celebrations, they can be dangerous if not handled safely. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that around 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms annually, with nearly half of these injuries involving children under 15. The age group most at risk is children between 5 to 14 years, showing a higher incidence of injury compared to the general population during the July 4th period. Hands and fingers are the most commonly injured body parts. Sparklers, fountains, and novelty fireworks contribute significantly to these emergency room visits. Furthermore, according to the NFPA, fireworks cause about 20,000 fires each year, leading to over $100 million in property damage.

Help prevent fireworks-related injuries with these safety tips:

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks display put on by trained professionals
• If planning to celebrate using fireworks at home, always buy fireworks from approved vendors. Be sure to read and follow manufacturer's instructions
• Light fireworks outdoors, on a driveway or other paved surface. Keep fireworks away from vehicles, homes, grassy areas, and other combustible materials
• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly
• Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals
• Never attempt to relight or handle fireworks that did not ignite the first time. Keep already used fireworks away from unlit ones
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets or ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying debris or sparks
• Never wear loose-fitting clothing. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back when handling fireworks
• STOP, DROP and ROLL: If clothing catches on fire, remember to STOP what you are doing, DROP onto the ground, cover your face, and ROLL over and over until the fire goes out
• Always keep a close eye on children when fireworks are being used, including sparklers, as they can cause severe burns and injuries
• Sparklers, which are often considered harmless enough for children, can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause third-degree burns
• Consider using glow sticks. They are colorful and glow in the dark, and are a much safer alternative to a sparkler
• Keep your pets safely away from fireworks as they are very sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and strong smells. Be sure to keep them calm and safe indoors with blinds and windows closed, and the radio or TV on to reduce the sound of fireworks. Keeping your pets inside will also help prevent them from running away or getting lost
• Always keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or water bucket nearby at all times in case of an emergency
• Prevent a trash fire by soaking used fireworks properly in a pail of water before throwing them in the trash
• Remember, do not handle fireworks while under the influence of any substance
• Stay cool and hydrated while you celebrate in order to prevent heat-related emergencies. Drink plenty of cool fluids and avoid caffeine, alcohol, or drinks with high sugar content
• Call 911 immediately in case of a fire or burn emergency

Cookouts and festive gatherings also bring joy and excitement during Fourth of July celebrations. Utilizing grills properly by following basic safety guidelines will help keep your family, guests and home safe. According to the NFPA, July is the peak month for grilling fires, with gas grills involved in a higher number of fires compared to charcoal grills. Over 10,000 home fires are started by a grill, and grills are involved in 19,000 injuries treated in emergency rooms annually. Thermal burns are the most common injury, with over 9,000 reported.

This Fourth of July, follow safe grilling habits with these safety tips:

• Never leave a burning grill unattended. Statistics show this is the number one cause of house fires in the nation
• Be sure to keep your hands and cooking utensils clean
• Always grill outdoors, in a well-lit, well-ventilated area, at least 10 ft. away from any building and away from anything that might catch fire, including siding, deck railings, eaves, or tree branches
• Place the grill on a leveled, stable surface, away from high-traffic areas, children and pets
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area and never leave your lit grill unattended
• Never grill in covered porches or patios especially if the covering is wood, canvas or other flammable material
• Hot air and flames rise, so nothing combustible should be located directly above the grill
• Make sure the grill is working properly. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks
• Always make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting it
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. In roughly one of every five grill fires (20 percent), grills have not been cleaned (NFPA)
• If using a charcoal grill, keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Once you're finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container
• Dispose of charcoal away from children and pets, and cool it down with a hose
• Be extremely careful when handling lighter fluid and read instructions first
• Always keep an ABC-rated home fire extinguisher, garden hose or water bucket nearby at all times in case of an emergency

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-204-2526.