New Orleans Fire Department Offers Safety Tips Ahead of July 4th

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — With the Fourth of July just two days away, the New Orleans Fire Department is offering tips for residents to stay safe while enjoying fireworks and cooking.

NOFD officials said fireworks cause about three civilian deaths and 40 injuries each year, and there is an increase in the number of people using fireworks in ways that increase the risk of serious injury across the country.

According to the fire department, “U.S. hospital emergency departments treated approximately 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries” in 2018. Of the 9,100 people treated, approximately 36% were children under the age of 15.

Consumer fireworks are illegal in Orleans Parish, according to the NOFD.

“Recognizing the harm caused each year by fireworks, especially to young people, NOFD encourages families to leave all fireworks displays to professionals. Individuals and families should attend public fireworks displays this July 4th holiday. This is by far the safest, and most legal, way to enjoy fireworks,” said NOFD Superintendent Roman Nelson.

For those who enjoy grilling and barbecuing on the Fourth of July, NOFD officials said residents should take appropriate steps to stay safe, as “the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Data Center estimates that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills or other outdoor cooking appliances per year.”

To help residents stay safe while grilling and barbecuing, NOFD has offered the following tips and reminders:

• Make sure any outdoor cooking is done at least 10 feet away from a house or anything flammable.
• Check the connection between your grill’s propane tank and the fuel line.
• Remove grease buildup to keep your grill clean.
• Do not leave your grill unattended.
• Do not overfill your propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while barbecuing.
• Do not add lighter fluid to an already lit fire.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Throw away the hot coals, sprinkling them with water and stirring to make sure the fire is out.
• Do not dispose of hot coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Do not grill or barbecue in enclosed areas.

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