Dry Conditions Increase Fire Risks
-Emergency Managers Urge Caution-
Release Date: June 26, 2002
Release Number: R10-02-50
Seattle, WA-- Forecasts include dry weather-just the thing for Fourth of July festivities. However the weather turns, FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics - and entire summers. More than 11,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and grill fires every year, and according to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, more than half of these injuries occur the first week in July.
"Fireworks and even barbecue grills can be dangerous if improperly used, and much of our forests and parklands are tender-dry. Before cooking out or lighting fireworks, check with fire officials, and review fire safety precautions with your family," said Pennington "The best way to enjoy fireworks is through public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Summer- time should be a source for fun and happy memories…not tragedy, or crippling financial burdens."
Thousands of serious fireworks-related incidents typically injure faces and hands each year- almost 70 percent of which are inflicted on victims between one and 24 years old. Fireworks-related fires have typically averaged $20 million in property loss each year in the past decade.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation's fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-May-2007 08:38:07