Fireworks Safety This Fourth of July

Fireworks may be a great way to show your patriotism on the Fourth of July, but if you're planning on setting them off yourself, make sure to stay safe. 

According to a new report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 17,800 fires were started by fireworks in 2011 —  up 2,300 from 2010. The same report states that fireworks on the Fourth of July in 2011 caused 1,200 structure fires, which resulted in 8 deaths, 40 injuries and $32 million in property damage. Fireworks account for two out of every five fires reported on Independence Day. 

The risk of injury from fireworks is especially high for children between the ages of 5 and 19, with 26% of the victims of fireworks injuries under 15 years old. 

“Actions have consequences so we all need to find safe ways to enjoy the holiday without letting fireworks get out of control,” Christopher Hackett, director of personal lines for PCI, said. “Let the Fourth be a reminder to not only prevent wildfires but also prepare our families financially and physically.

While there's no completely safe way to light off fireworks yourself, these tips will help you keep you from being one of the thousands that will end up at the hospital or with property damage on Independence Day. 

• Remove dead leaves and debris from roof or rain gutters.
• Remove wood piles or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
• Trim trees so branches are a minimum of 10 feet from other threes.  Embers are a major cause of spreading fires.
• Remove vegetation and items that can catch fire under decks.