Safety Bulletin: Fourth of July

Submitted by the La Grange Park Police Department. Image via shutterstock.

4th of July Safety Tips:

The 4th of July is not only a traditionally fun holiday, but it is also traditionally the holiday with the most fires. These fires can be as small as a burning bucket and some burned fingers or they can be entire neighborhoods.

There are more than $35,000,000 per year in fire damages nationally. These fires are due to fireworks, and decorations that are accented with fireworks. Fires end up being expensive, not only for the government and insurance companies, but also for families who lose everything due to a fire. Even with insurance, families lose irreplaceable private positions and sometimes their lives.

The worst part is that often children are the ones injured in these types of fires because they are not prepared to use fireworks safely. This is where you, as adults, can do something about the fires from fireworks. These tips also include safety measures you can use for other types of decorations.

Tip #1: Have a fire extinguisher readily available. This way if there is an accidental fire, it can be put out quickly.

Tip #2: Have water buckets and a hose available. This is important in case a fire becomes larger than a small extinguisher can handle.

Tip #3: Bird and animal safety is important when it comes to 4th of Julydecorations. Pets and wild life have been known to eat the decorations, get caught in them or get hurt by them. If you have a family bird, or want to consider the safety of a wild bird or animal, keep in mind that the bright red, white and blue colors may attract a bird or animal as a chew toy.

Tip #4: Alcohol is a favorite of many for holiday celebrations. It is important to keep alcohol away from children and animals. There is a potential risk of alcohol poisoning if consumed by a child or an animal.

Tip #5: Some decorations have small parts, or dangerous chemicals. This is another area that can be dangerous to small children and animals. If there are going to be small children or animals around, it is important to make sure that the decorations are appropriate in areas that are accessible to them.

Tip #6: When you are disposing of 4th of July decorations and fireworks, make sure that they are completely free of heat and fire. Proper disposal will ensure there will not be a smoldering fire after the party is over.

Tip #7: When you decorate the area in which you plan to be setting off fireworks it is important to make sure that the decorations are a safe distance from the actual fireworks. The ignition area should be roped off and well away from children.

Tip #8: Make sure that the area where you will be lighting fireworks is also free of bushes, dry grass, trees, streamers, balloons, flammable helium, and other fire hazardous materials.

Tip #9: Safety includes removing small pieces of balloons, fireworks, and other items that are a choking hazard for small children. Themost dangerous things about decorations for small children is chocking, or being strangled by them.

Tip #10: Stay away from illegal fireworks. Many fireworks have been deemed illegal due to their increased danger. Some fireworks to avoid include:

• Large re-loadable mortar shells
• Cherry bombs
• Ariel bombs
• M-80 salutes
• Large firecrackers

Closed Home Registration: In addition to the Residential Safety Tips above, the LaGrange Park Police Department offers a ‘Closed Home’ registration system for residents who will be out of town. A ‘Closed Home’ card is completed at the Police Station, detailing when the resident will be away, who has keys, what lights may be left on, etc., and owner contact information. Officers make special checks of Closed Homes at randomly scheduled times to ensure the homes are secure. Upon return to town, the resident must sign off on the ‘Closed Home’ card. If you are planning to be away on vacation or business, please take advantage of this service.