News Flash

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Gabriela Prete,

June 29, 2018 Public Information Officer

610-270-0429

The Norristown Fire Department Issues Fire Safety Tips This 4^th of July

NORRISTOWN, PA – As the 4^th of July Holiday approaches, The Norristown Fire Department would like to share some fireworks and grilling safety tips to residents.

“The summer months are a great time of year for friends and family, said Norristown Fire Chief Tom O’Donnell. But we ask residents to use caution when celebrating. Fireworks can be fun and exciting, unfortunately emergency responders respond to firework related emergencies involving injury, property damage or worse.” We want people to know fireworks are not toys! On average 250 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th holiday. Fireworks related injuries are painful and their scars can last a lifetime.

With the recent expansion of the Pennsylvania law to allow the sell of consumer grade fireworks, you need to know the facts. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to purchase fireworks. Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without permission of the property owner. Fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building, toward a motor vehicle or building or within 150 feet of an occupied structure. Finally, fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

Fireworks Safety:

• Attend public fireworks displays and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, sparklers burn at nearly 1200 degrees and account for over one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
• Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap

Equally as important is the safety around grilling during the summer months. The Municipal ordinance prohibits operation of all charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible porches, decks, and balconies or within ten feet of your home or business. At all times establish a three foot safety zone around all grills or open flame – no kids or pets should be allowed in that zone.

Grill Safety Tips:

• Never leave a lit grill unattended. Never leave unsupervised children near a grill
• Don’t wear loose clothing that may come in contact with the grill and catch fire
• Never use gasoline as an aide to ignite charcoal briquettes only use proper charcoal lighting fluid. Use the lighting fluid sparingly and NEVER PUT IT ON AN OPEN FLAME.
• Ensure coals are completely out before disposing of them – use long-handled tongs to remove the coals and immerse them in an empty metal container filled with water
• Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose connected to a water supply nearby in case of a fire

More information about fire safety can be found on the Norristown Fire Department website at www.norristownfire.org or by contacting the Fire Marshal at 610-270-2894. 

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