Members of the Thomasville, Lexington and Silver Valley fire departments have released tips regarding fireworks and grilling safety. In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 outside and other fires, according to statistics from the National
Fire Protection Association. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
Dolly Hulin is the division chief of fire and life safety with the Thomasville Fire Department. She said her department recommends residents only go to professional fireworks shows.
She supplied statistics from the NFPA that indicate the risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 4 and under, followed by children 10-14 years old. In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks-related injuries, with 55 percent of those injuries being to the extremities and 38 percent to the head.
Jon David Everhart is the fire marshal for the Lexington Fire Department. He said his department recommends residents purchase fireworks that are legal in North Carolina and not the illegal ones from out of state.
"Fireworks should not be used by children," Everhart said. "Sparklers get extremely hot and are dangerous."
Everhart said residents should have a water source or a bucket of water nearby when using fireworks. He said the water should be nearby in case the fireworks start a grass fire.
Chris Hedrick is a deputy chief with the Silver Valley Fire Department. He said residents need to be in a safe place when setting off fireworks.
Hedrick cautioned residents to be careful with fireworks due to the recent dry weather. He said residents should set fireworks away from vehicles, structures and patios.
"A lot of parents let their small children handle sparklers," the deputy chief said. "They can cause a really nasty burn. They need to be really careful with that."
The NFPA reminds citizens that children and pets need to be at least three feet away from the grill area. The organization also suggests residents keep their grills clean by removing grease or fat buildup on the grills and in trays below the grill.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Hedrick said grills should not be used on patios. He said his department has responded to patio fires that eventually burned houses down.
"Grills need to be on cement and especially away from the house in case something happens, a grease fire," the deputy chief said. "Everyone needs to clean their grills at least once or twice a year."
Hedrick said residents must call 911 if their gas grill catches on fire. If possible, he recommends residents turn the gas off and get away.
"Go ahead and call," Hedrick said. "We will get out there and take care of it."
The NFPA also suggests residents never leave their grill unattended. Propane and charcoal barbecue grills must only be used outdoors as indoor use can kill occupants by causing a fire or CO poisoning, according to the NFPA.
"Burn injuries normally come from (residents) not using the grilling tools," Hulin said. "They will grab a fork and not realize how hot it will be and get a burn to the hand."
Everhart said residents should be careful with the use of lighter fluid and matches. He urged residents to leave lighters and matches away from children.
