Celebrate Safely This 4th of July
7/2/2024 (Permalink)
![4th of July Fireworks](/FranchiseContent/NewsPhotos/9443-3a901de6-54b4-4757-ac66-b0ca7096236f.jpg)
Do you have big plans for the 4th of July? Cookouts, campouts, and, of course, fireworks can make for a memorable holiday. With a heat wave and a red flag warning hitting Los Angeles, please take precautions when celebrating with anything flammable.
BBQ Safety Tips
Cooking out on the barbecue is a great way to serve a delicious holiday meal. But you'll want to fully extinguish the heat before you turn in for the night. And if you're cooking with charcoal instead of gas, take extra care when disposing of the ashes.
Did you know grilling injuries send almost 20,000 people to the hospital each year? Grills also cause over 10 thousand home fires annually. To reduce your risk, heed these tips for safer grilling this 4th of July.
Fire Pit Safety Tips
If you're camping out over the holiday, you might also gather around the fire pit for s'mores and conversation. Like barbecues, you must ensure your fire is completely snuffed out before hitting the sack.
But wildfires are already burning in parts of Los Angeles County. And with red flag conditions (dry heat and gusty winds) a threat, the safe choice may be to avoid open flames completely. If you do choose to light one over the holiday, follow these fire pit safety tips to reduce your risk of sparking a wildfire.
Fireworks Safety Tips
Last, but not least, most of us are looking forward to celebrating the 4th with fireworks. Your best bet, of course, is to watch the fireworks from a safe distance set off by professionals around the city. Remember, many types of fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County. If not outright banned, only fireworks deemed "safe and sane" may be permitted, and only in certain areas. If caught with illegal fireworks, you can be fined up to $50,000 and face a year in jail. But even if you're using "safe and sane" ones, where permitted, you'll still want to take precautions to enjoy fireworks safely.
Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO!
Still, even when you do everything right, anything involving fire is a risk. Be sure to keep our emergency number, (818) 754-0050, handy in the event disaster strikes. The SERVPRO NOHO team will be working this 4th of July, and every holiday, with a fast response to anywhere in Los Angeles. From boarding up and securing your property to cleaning up the smoke smell and soot and restoring damaged areas, we'll make fire damage "Like it never even happened!"