The WPB Fire Department Offers Safety Tips To Prevent Fire, Injury, On July 4

From City of West Palm Beach:

June 23, 2020

The City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Fire Department wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. For residents who chose to use consumer fireworks including firecrackers and sparklers, the West Palm Beach Fire Department offers these tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air should not be purchased except as provided for by Chapter 791 of the Florida Statute but can be used on three specific days of the year. A new law passed by Governor DeSantis this year allows for the use of fireworks only on specific days: New Year’s Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; New Year’s Eve, December 31. Non-Fireworks or Sparklers as defined in Florida Statue, 791, remain permissible to purchase and use throughout the year.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Keep a charged fire extinguisher within reach.
• Know your fireworks. Read the cautionary labels and instructions before igniting.
• Wear safety glasses. Light one firework at a time, and, then, quickly move away.
• Use fireworks on a hard level surface. Use fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings and vehicles. Never shoot fireworks indoors and avoid shooting fireworks in an area where there is dry grass or brush. Shoot fireworks away from homes and other flammable materials.
• Purchase fireworks from only a licensed and approved dealer.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at people.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down, and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials.
• Do not transport fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• After the fireworks display is over, keep watch for fires for at least 30 minutes to assure that everything has been extinguished.
• Have a bucket of water, garden hose, or other water source available for emergencies.
• Remember the CDC’s COVID-19 safety guidelines during holiday festivities.

“Fireworks can be fun, beautiful and exciting, but when handled improperly, they can cause burns, other severe injuries, fires and even death,” said West Palm Beach Fire Department Chief Diana Matty. “If you chose to use consumer fireworks during the July 4th holiday, please celebrate responsibly and safely.”

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

The West Palm Beach Fire Department works to reduce the level of risk to life, property and the environment through technology of fire suppression, emergency response, emergency medical transportation, fire inspection, public education, and community outreach. The 230 employees of WPBFD respond to more than 27,000 calls for service each year. The department operates out of nine stations covering a more than 55 square mile area.

There are nine community fire stations in West Palm Beach. Please feel free to stop by any of these stations when you are in the neighborhood. The firefighters will be happy to take your blood pressure, talk to you about your medications, give you fire safety tips. They would also be glad to stop by your residence or place of business to check on your smoke detectors.

For more information about WPBFD, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/government/fire-department.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.