COATESVILLE – Independence Day, unfortunately, is one of the busiest days of the year for fire fighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, and two out of five are fireworks-related incidents.
IAFF Local 3790 advises that the best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show. “Consumer fireworks are dangerous and the risks to personal safety and the safety of the community are significant,” says Local 3790’s Jim Lentz.
According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments annually. Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, cookouts and community events can quickly turn to disaster if proper precautions are not taken.
Children are especially at risk on July 4. Of those injured, 35 percent of victims with fireworks injuries were under 15. Children should never play with fireworks. Even sparklers can reach 1200º Fahrenheit.
“Fireworks are illegal in the City of Coatesville in accordance with Chapter 112 Article 2 of the Code of the City of Coatesville. Legal or not, if you decide to ignore these words of caution and set off your own fireworks display, precautions need to be taken, and taken seriously,” Mike Pawlowski, President IAFF L-3790 said. “While pretty, fireworks can be very, very dangerous.”
Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies and potentially life-threatening situations so first responders are available to react quickly when lives are in danger.
For more information about fireworks safety, visit http://www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
Remember, the best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show. The annual City of Coatesville Fireworks display is scheduled for July 16, 2016 beginning at 9:00 PM at Gateway Park (1st Avenue and Lincoln Highway).
For other safe opportunities to view fireworks please go to https://chestercountyfireworks.com/ .
Also, since we are talking fire safety, please know that smoke detectors are required on every floor of the home, inside every bedroom and just outside the sleeping areas. Smoke detectors must have updated batteries, because without newer batteries the smoke detectors may fail to operate placing you and your family at risk.
City residents and property owners should direct any questions to the City of Coatesville Fire Chief’s office at 610-384-0300 ext. 3101.
Coatesville Firefighters wish you a joyous Independence Day and by all means be fire safe!
