Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax Residents: Ring in the New Year Safely!

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax wish you a safe and Happy New Year!

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate and ring in the New Year, but injuries, fires and home insurance claims can put a damper on this longstanding holiday tradition.

Fireworks are beautiful and fun, but dangerous…

In 2008, fireworks caused about 22,500 fires and $42 million in property damage, and even if you have the right home insurance coverage, setting off fireworks on your property entails risks. In addition to putting your home and your neighbors' homes in danger, fireworks can cause serious injuries. In 2008, hospital emergency rooms treated about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). About 40 percent of these injuries happened to children under the age of 18. 

Protect yourself and your family…

If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Wear eye protection.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never throw or point fireworks at people or animals.
• Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.

Make sure that your home is equipped with working smoke alarms on every level, and that everyone in the home knows the sound the alarm makes and what it signifies. Have a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place. Practice the plan with all members of your household both at night and during the day.

We at SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax wish you a safe and Happy New Year!