And The Rocket’s Red Glare; Fireworks Bursting In Air

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Family watching fireworks

Every year around this time as the July heat starts to take control of the summer, residents in NC and Durham begin to prepare for the 4^th of July holiday weekend! For many North Carolinians, this is an opportunity to connect with family and friends, host weekend events and cookouts, and enjoy a much-needed break from work! This is also a time for many to gather in the back yards and open fields of the Carolina countryside to display both consumer and professional grade pyrotechnics (fireworks). This time of the year has also inherently become associated with pyrotechnic-related injuries and fire damage. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 9,100 injuries seen in hospital emergency rooms in 2018 were pyrotechnic related. The CPSC also contained reports of at least 5 direct firework-related deaths in the year. Burns accounted for 44 percent, with males accounting for around two-thirds of the firework-related injuries. The numbers don’t just stop there. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimated that 19,500 fires were started by pyrotechnics and reported to local fire departments in 2018 resulting in $105 million in direct property damage. Secondary brush, grass, or forest fires accounted for 3 of every 5 reported fires started by fireworks during that time. In all, focusing on just the Fourth of July half (49 percent) of the reported fires on that day was started by fireworks! The absolute best pyrotechnic prevention in place is to avoid use and watch professional shows where available and when permitted. However, in the event of personal injury or property damage when using pyrotechnics, call 911. Shall property damage occur, it is best to have an emergency cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction company such as SERVPRO of South Durham to mitigate any secondary fire and smoke damage that occurs from pyrotechnic fire damage. Whether fire and smoke damage, odor control, upholstery, fabric cleaning, or water damage restoration, our restoration specialists are specially certified and trained with a restore v. replace strategy to offer the most added value cost-effective solutions to return your home or structure to preloss condition. For more information on how to celebrate for Fourth of July responsibly and operate pyrotechnics safely, visit the City Of Durham website.

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!