Media contact: Keith Paul                                         
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

What:   Fireworks fire hazards & safety demo

When:  Tuesday, June 27 at 10 a.m.

Where: Salt Lake City Fire Training Center, 1600 S. Industrial Rd.

SALT LAKE CITY (June 23, 2023) — The Red Cross of Utah is partnering with Salt Lake City Fire on Tuesday, June 27, at 10 a.m., to demonstrate the dangers that can accompany fireworks and provide fire safety advice to help prevent holiday disasters this Fourth of July.

“Every year, individuals in our community and across the country are seriously injured by fireworks, despite continued warnings,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “Salt Lake City Fire will continue to educate and increase awareness of the severe accidents that can occur from the purchase and use of illegal fireworks in hopes we can discourage their use.”

Nationwide nearly 20,000 fires annually are started by fireworks. And in the month of July, there are more than 10,000 fireworks related injuries serious enough to require treatment at a hospital emergency room, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Even the fireworks legal in Salt Lake City during the Fourth of July holiday can be dangerous. “For children under 5 years old, simple sparklers caused more than half the injuries reported across the country,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Sparklers can burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals. Think what they can do to little hands.”

Fireworks are unpredictable, can explode unexpectedly, and even go off in the wrong direction, stressed Chief Lieb. “Firefighters have seen fireworks lead to a devastating home fire and tragic injuries,” he said. “Please leave the fireworks to the professionals and go enjoy one of the free fireworks displays in Salt Lake City.”

Top Ten Fireworks Safety Tips

1. Know which fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
2. Never use professional-grade fireworks.
   
3. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
   
4. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
   
5. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
   
6. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
   
7. Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
   
8. Supervise children when they are handling sparklers.
   
9. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.
10. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

Already this year, prior to fireworks season, the Red Cross of Utah staff and volunteers have responded to more than 70 home fires and assisted nearly 300 people in need. “We know that our Salt Lake City firefighters are ready to respond when called, and so is the Red Cross,” Lafranca said. “But by teaching residents about the fire and safety dangers of fireworks, we hope no one will need to make that call this Fourth of July.”

Protect your home from fire. Get free smoke alarms and fire safety education
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit  redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at  @RedCross.