TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is highlighting Fourth of July safety tips as a reminder to be safe while celebrating America’s birthday with friends and family. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually and children between the ages of 10-14 years old saw the highest rate of fireworks injuries.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Independence day is one of my favorite times of the year to celebrate the birth of our nation with family and friends, and there is no better place to celebrate than the free state of Florida! While you’re busy celebrating our freedom with your friends and family, make sure that you use common sense and exercise basic safety measures when using fireworks. While fireworks can be exciting, they can also be incredibly dangerous if not used with caution. The last thing we want is for your Independence Day to end with a trip to the hospital, or even a tragedy. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when using fireworks or cooking out and keep an eye out for children around the grill. By following a few important safety tips like these, you can ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and very happy Fourth of July.”

Independence Day Safety Tips:

1. Consider attending a professional firework show – The best opportunity to protect yourself and your family from firework injuries is to let a trained professional handle the fireworks.
2. Light one firework/sparkler at a time and never relight a dud – If too many fireworks are lit at one time, it can cause confusion about which ones are active, leading to possible injury or fire. Also, duds can malfunction and explode improperly if you try to relight them.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby – Be careful of how you dispose of fireworks and sparklers and make sure you always have a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand. Once fireworks have stopped working, they are still extremely hot and need to be cooled off with water or a fire extinguisher so they can be disposed of properly.
4. Be Smart around the Grill – If cooking with propane, always check the tank hose and connections for leaks before turning on the grill. Keep the grill away from homes, overhanging branches, and decks. Put pets on leashes and make sure children are supervised when grilling.