HOW TO AVOID FIRE DAMAGE FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

With the weather moving from moderate to hot and dry, one of our most cherished holidays is right around the corner: Independence Day! You can expect unlimited fun, loads of delicious food, a spectacular light show, and potential fire damage.

Wait, what?

Not to kill your July 4th vibe, but fire damage is a legitimate concern if a DIY firework show at home is in your future. Every year, nearly 20,000 fires are started by fireworks, making our beloved holiday a reminder that fireworks are not toys and fire damage is a real concern if you’re not following fireworks safety tips.

The Types of Damage Fireworks Can Cause

Contrary to popular belief, fireworks aren’t made to be used in or around your home. These celebratory staples are dangerous objects that can cause physical injury, property damage, and even negatively impact the environment.

Physical Injury & Death

Handling fireworks can be a thankless and extremely hazardous job. In 2015, eight people died from firework-related injuries in the U.S. Our Midland community suffered a scare when a teenager was seriously injured after lighting fireworks. Just last year, a Gratiot County man lost part of a limb during a public fireworks show.

We don’t drop this kind of information to scare you, just to keep you mindful that operating fireworks should be taken seriously because it could be the difference between life and death.

Property Damage

Fireworks were responsible for an average of 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,300 structure fires. This accounts for an average of $43 million in direct property damage. When you’re handling fireworks, just know that various structural elements are at risk, including:

• Roofing system – Dry debris on your roof and fireworks are a volatile combination that can result in roof damage and whole-house fires. Sparks from fireworks can ignite dead leaves and branches, so trimming back tree limbs, cleaning gutters, and spraying water on the roof can mitigate a prospective blaze.
• Plumbing – Many kids are curious about the outcome of putting a firework inside a toilet. Spoiler alert: it’s not good. If you’re lucky enough that the firecracker doesn’t break the porcelain bowl, it will most certainly damage the internal trap that directs water into the drainpipe. Trust us. You don’t want this component on your toilet to fail. You’ll have contaminated water everywhere and potential water damage and mold issues to deal with.
• Electricity – Electrical fires are a serious side effect of improperly handling fireworks near power lines, resulting in personal or mass power outages, costly property repairs, and fines of up to $1,000 for an illegal public fireworks display.

It’s all fun and games until one of your home’s most vital systems is severely damaged by fireworks. The good news is you have a restoration service partner in Midland on your side to help repair roof, plumbing, and electrical problems caused by fireworks.

Environmental Destruction

Dry conditions are typical in Midland, and when mixed with the onslaught of fireworks ash and debris can be explosive—literally. Homeowners should be cautious of starting grass and forest fires by assuring fireworks are doused with water and completely extinguished before being discarded.

Additionally, chemicals such as barium and aluminum are the catalysts behind the bright, vibrant colors fireworks are known for, but they also release toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.

Avoid Independence Day Fire Damage with These 6 Tips

1. Keep the Fun Outdoors

A sure-fire way to avoid fire damage inside your home is to keep fireworks outside. You should never light fireworks in an enclosed area, as ash and smoke can linger on soft surfaces, and sparks can singe or ignite carpets and walls. If you try your hand at a DIY fireworks display, move at least 150 feet away from people and structures.

2. Always Have An Adult Present

Adult supervision is key to avoiding property fire damage. Children should never be left unattended with fireworks or allowed to handle sparklers, as these seemingly harmless fireworks burn as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Keep Extinguishing Methods Close

A fully operating fire extinguisher and a bucket of water are great ways to stay prepared should your fireworks start a fire. We also recommend watering the lawn and your home at dusk before your personal Independence Day fireworks show to eliminate dry conditions perfect for provoking fires.

4. Don’t Store Fireworks In Non-Temperature Controlled Areas

Storing unused fireworks in your garage or shed might seem like a good idea, but it can be dangerous if your home catches fire. Even without a fuse, fireworks can explode under the right conditions and temperatures. If you have leftover fireworks, store them in a fire-resistant container with the lid secured tightly.

5. Avoid Illegal Use of Fireworks

If there were one fireworks safety tip to take to heart, this is it. In our state, using fireworks under the influence of alcohol or stimulants is illegal and extremely dangerous. Anyone caught violating this law could be fined up to $1,000.

Additionally, anyone selling fireworks without a permit should absolutely be avoided. Look around for or ask about a certificate from Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to ensure your fireworks retailer is legitimate.

6. Get a Plan in Place

Fire damage from fireworks is always possible, even if you follow all fireworks safety tips and guidelines. Accidents happen, so having a plan in place will help reduce confusion, panic, and—most of all—property damage. Designate someone to extinguish a potential blaze, appoint another person to call emergency services, and choose someone else to get bystanders away from the danger.

For Unexpected Fire Damage, Call ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON for Help!

Independence Day is supposed to be a time for celebration with people you love. Unfortunately, it can turn into a cautionary tale if you’re not following fireworks safety tips. ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON is here to support you after unexpected fire damage ravages your home or business.

Our residential and commercial restoration service professionals follow a comprehensive process to return your property to pre-loss condition for next year’s July 4th festivities.