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Hillsborough County News Release, July 1, 2009
For Immediate Release
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For media use only:
Ray Yeakley, Public Information Officer
Fire Rescue
Telephone: 813-272-6600
Cellular Phone: 813-277-6671
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4th of July Safety Message from Fire Rescue: Fireworks & Boating
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Fireworks to celebrate Independence Day are as American as apple pie, but the fact is that more fires are reported on that day than any other day of the year in the United States! More than half of these fires are caused by fireworks.
But a 4th of July with fireworks is not out of the question! Below are a few safety tips:
Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over after a firework display--they may still be active!
Remember, it is illegal to discharge fireworks in Hillsborough County parks.
Below are a few fast facts provided by the National Fire Protection Association (2009):
In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
In 2007, males accounted for 70 percent of those injured by fireworks.
In 2007, two out of five people injured by fireworks were under age 15.
"Safe and sane" fireworks are neither. Fireworks and sparklers are designed to explode or throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1200°F!
Ninety-two percent of fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.
Plan on taking the boat out this holiday weekend too? Prevent a boating accident by being prepared:
Wear a life jacket. This should be as second nature as putting on a seat belt when riding a car. Life jackets should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and of the correct size for the wearer.
Develop a float plan. Give a responsible person on shore details regarding off shore whereabouts and the expected length of the boating trip.
Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination. More than 50 percent of drownings resulting from boating incidents involve alcohol!
Watch the weather. Check weather warnings and forecasts before leaving shore and while at sea. Remain watchful for signs of bad weather and listen to weather radio broadcasts on your VHF radio.
Prepare for a boat fire. A fully charged fire extinguisher on hand is vital and it's the law. Boat owners or those who boat regularly should know and understand exactly how to use the fire extinguisher. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for further fire prevention measures.
Take a boating course. These courses teach about navigational rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions and weather.
Learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity. According to the American Red Cross, this is the best way to stay safe in and around the water.
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