Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Safe this 4th of July

July 3, 2017
The Fourth of July is being celebrated tonight in much of the country. Whether you and your neighbors are celebrating this evening or all week, here are a few tips to keep in mind this Independence Day!

1. Know the Law in Your Area

1. It's important to make sure you know and understand the law in your area regarding the purchase and use of fireworks in Kansas. Ultimately, any liability for what happens during firework celebrations on private property falls to the homeowner so make sure you are playing within the rules. The regulations vary by area and you can find a listing pretty easily online. Or click this link to an article from Times-Sentinal News that gives an overview of fireworks laws by community. A good rule of thumb is that if you bought your fireworks in your home county, you're legal--but it never hurts to verify that what you have planned is not going to end up with you facing flashing lights of law enforcement rather than enjoying your fireworks display!

2. Be Prepared

You don't have to be a former Girl or Boy Scout to know that preparing for emergencies and planning on not having any is the best approach to any event. Here are a few ideas to help ensure that you are ready for any surprises during the evening:
  • Make sure your fire extinguisher is handy.
  • Keep a bucket of water and/or wet sand nearby. This is really helpful when your kids are looking for a place to drop their sparklers. A sand bucket depository will keep hands and feet (and grass and trees) much safer. 
  • Establish a 'safe zone' that should be entirely free from fireworks--including those that you are not lighting at the moment and have a water hose hooked up and available.
  • Wear shoes that cover the feet. Flip flops are great for the pool but not so great if you trip while running from a recently lit firework or if hot embers land on your feet.
  • Make sure that everyone is aware of the direction of the wind and any obstacles. Make a clear announcement to everyone which direction the fireworks should be aimed and from what location that lighting and staging will occur.
  • Be aware of your guests' safety. Keep track of pets and children at all times. And don't forget that some folks can't move quickly. 

3. Stay Sober

Fireworks and alcohol can be a hazardous mix. 'Nuff said.

4. Protect Your Home

Do you have a trampoline? Hose it down with water right before your celebration so that any errant fireworks or sparks will have less chance to damage the surface. Park cars away from the action and make sure that if there are potential incendiary items around (your lawnmower gas, etc.) that they are in a an area that a rogue firework (or guest) could not reach. And when it comes to cleanup, spray debris with water before putting it in the dumpster. 

5. Have FUN!

Happy 4th of 
July!
~The Carnahan Group