Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July

July 2, 2024 | From New Orleans Fire Department

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July

The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) would like to wish all a Happy and Safe 4^th of July! We also want to remind everyone that CONSUMER FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN ORLEANS PARISH. Let's discourage our friends and loved ones from using consumer fireworks, especially around children. Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. Nationally we have seen an increase in people using fireworks in a manner that drastically increases the chance of serious injury, particularly with the use of Roman Candles. Fireworks and related fires injure about 10,000 Americans each year, and more than half of these happen during the first week of July. Many people think sparklers are harmless, but they burn very quickly at up to 1200* Fahrenheit and can cause severe burn injuries. Under no circumstance are fireworks to be pointed at people!

Annually, fireworks cause an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-third (36%) of those injuries.

NOFD Superintendent Roman Nelson states that, "Knowing the harm inflicted by fireworks each year, particularly on young people, NOFD is encouraging families to leave all fireworks to the professionals. Individuals and families should attend the public fireworks displays this 4th of July holiday. It is by far the safest, but also the legal way to enjoy fireworks."

Heat Advisory

Our forecast for the long holiday weekend suggests temperatures in the upper 90's, with forecasted heat indexes well into the 110's. Please take all necessary precautions to avoid the heat and stay safe:

• Drink water. Stay hydrated.
• Avoid mid-day heat whenever possible.
• Take advantage of indoor entertainment during mid-day hours
• In the event of a heat-related emergency, seek medical care immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening.

Grilling/ Barbecue Safety

The NOFD recommends that all outdoor cooking be done at least ten feet away from the home or any other combustibles or flammables. The United States Fire Administration's National Fire Data Center estimates, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills or other outdoor cooking apparatuses per year, including an average of 3,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. In 2014, 16,000 patients went to the ER because of injuries involving grills, including 8,700 thermal burns and July is by far the peak month for grill fires. Although gas grills are used roughly 1.5 times as often as charcoal grills, they were involved in five times as many fires. Gas grills were involved in 6,400 home fires, including 2,100 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires. Below is a list of things you should keep in mind the next time you pull out the grill:

• 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.
• Keep your grill clean by removing fat or grease build-up from the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flash back up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your 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 that 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 does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Essence Festival

As we welcome many visitors to our city for this year's Essence Fest and Holiday Weekend the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is determined in our efforts to make sure everyone's experience is as safe as it is enjoyable. We will be deploying NOFD Emergency Medical Technicians to work with the New Orleans Emergency Medical Service (NOEMS) Paramedics throughout the downtown area. These members will be working out of sprint vehicles to allow easier access to downtown areas where heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic is anticipated.

As always, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is wishing you a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. Stay cool and stay safe.

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