Dry Conditions Place Premium on Safety
Don't Let the "Fire" in Fireworks Spoil Summer
Release Date: June 28, 2001
Release Number: R10-01-35
Seattle, WA -- Glorious weather throughout the Pacific Northwest may herald clear skies and balmy weather for Fourth of July observances. But 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 Acting Regional Director Tammy Doherty, more than half of these injuries occur the first week in July.
"Fireworks and barbecues can be very dangerous if not used properly," said Doherty. "Before cooking out or lighting fireworks, review fire safety precautions with your family. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Summertime should be a source for fun and happy memories."
Thousands of serious fireworks-related incidents typically injure eyes, heads 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: www.usfa.fema.gov.
Listen as Tammy Doherty, Acting Director for FEMA Region X, offers safety tips for this Fourth of July season. (.wav ~5 MB) or you may read the transcript (Word).
Last Modified: Friday, 24-Oct-2003 11:20:59