Critical Days of Summer: Fireworks and grilling safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sean Johnson
  • 341st Missile Wing Safety
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Three years ago, 7,000 people were injured by fireworks and treated in emergency rooms according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Five thousand of those injuries happened between June 20 and July 20. Also, the CPSC recorded 5,000 emergency room visits caused by outdoor grilling. It's obvious to Air Force Global Strike Command leadership that fireworks and outdoor grills, during Fourth of July festivities, pose a threat to Air Force members. All too often, operational risk management is ignored while celebrating this holiday.

Grilling and fireworks are two very common causes of at-home injuries. Understanding safe handling practices for combustibles will assist in carrying out a safe and enjoyable summer. In order to ensure a safe Fourth of July this year, between cooking outdoors and enjoying fireworks, Air Force personnel need to know the rules. Unfortunately, as entertaining as fireworks are, they are not allowed to be ignited on base without written permission from the base commander. Also, when food is cooked outside, the grill must be at least 10 feet away from any structure per AFI 32-2001. The base fire department has provided great safety tips for AF members and their children to follow for both outdoor cooking and fireworks usage.

Barbecue grill fires result in about 8,000 home fires annually, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Most of the children up to age 19 who died in the United States as a result of unintentional injuries did so in June, July and August, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Academy of Pediatrics concludes in past years 45 percent of firework-related injuries were to children under age 15. Adult members of the Air Force, with or without children, have an obligation to exhibit "excellence in all we do." Children are prone to learn bad habits and display a lack of judgment in risky situations, so it's important that Airmen, of all backgrounds, teach them the right way to do things.

As Malmstrom Air Force Base's personnel enjoy a long weekend of outdoor fun with fireworks and grilling, 341st Missile Wing Safety hopes everyone takes these helpful tips and facts to heart to keep it safe.

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Summer safety tips
By: 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
and the National Fire Administration

BARBECUE SAFETY
· Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.

· Do not overfill the propane tank.

· Do not wear loose clothing while cooking on a barbecue.

· Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode.

· Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

· Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water and stir them to ensure the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

· Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.

· Make sure everyone knows to stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing catches fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

FIREWORKS SAFETY
· The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.

· People planning to use fireworks should make sure they are legal in their area first.

· Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

· Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby; know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

· Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

· Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off do not stand over it to investigate; put it out with water and dispose of it.

· Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.

· Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

For more information, contact the Fire Prevention staff at 731-4836/4100/4098.