At Baton Rouge Insurance Agency, we want your
holiday to be happy, but also safe. So here are some tips to help you protect
yourself and your property on the Fourth.
(Fireworks Flag Photo by Beverly)
Protecting
yourself (and others)
·
To minimize the risk of injury, don’t
use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals in Baton
Rouge or elsewhere.
·
If using consumer fireworks, always
follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade
fireworks.
·
Never let children handle or light
fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause
third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40% of
fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
·
A responsible adult should always be
present when children - even teenagers - are around fireworks. More than half
of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.
Protecting
your home
·
According to the National Fire
Protection Association, the best way to protect your home is to not use
fireworks at home.
·
Remember, fireworks can cause grass
fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a
safe area, away from homes and buildings, as well as other combustible
material. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
·
Look out for tree limbs or bushes that
could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good
idea anyway, but it could save you from a catastrophic fire on the Fourth of
July.
·
If your gutters have accumulated
leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, clean them before using
fireworks near your home.
·
Finally, if you won’t be home on the
holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your
neighborhood will be using fireworks.
With some common sense and planning, the
Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying
at home or heading to Baton Rouge, we hope you have a wonderful time
celebrating our independence!