INDEPENDENCE DAY SAFETY

Independence Day safety tips from Newport News Fire Department

2011 Jul 01

CONTACT: Lisa King, NNFD Public Education/Relations Coordinator, (757) 926-8404

The Newport News Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors to practice fire safety this Fourth of July. According to the United States Fire Administration, 9,800 people were treated for fireworks related injuries in U.S. hospitals. It is unlawful for any person in the City of Newport News to own, sell, possess, store, display, use, or explode any fireworks to include sparklers. Firework displays should be left to professionals to avoid injuries that result from personal use.

We encourage our citizens to visit downtown Newport News on Monday, July 4th from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. for the “4th of July Stars in the Sky” event. It will be held at Victory Landing Park located at the end of 23rd Street at the James River. This is the most beautiful and safest way to enjoy the fireworks in the City of Newport News.

The Newport News Fire Department recommends the following to be safe this holiday:

Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Ensure that the venture tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked. Do not overfill the propane tank. Always grill in a ventilated area. Wear clothing that is not loose while grilling. Only light your grill on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Dispose of hot coals properly – never place them in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.
Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools not toys. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
Make sure all family members know how to Stop, Drop, and Roll if clothing catches on fire. Check your smoke detectors.
If you are a Newport News homeowner and need a smoke detector installed, call the Smoke Detector Hotline at (757) 926-8009 to have alarms installed free by the Newport News Fire Department.
Virginia Fire Codes prohibit the use of charcoal burners, other open-flame cooking devices, and LP-gas grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction with the exception of one and two-family dwellings.

###