Buzzly Bee's Blog

Buzzly Fire Safety Visits Memphis Tennessee

THANKS so very much to each of you for making Buzzly's trip to

Shelby

County

such a wonderful success.

 During the days that we were there we went to 8 schools and Buzzly taught about 6,200 children fire safety skills.  It was amazing.  Truly amazing.  Beca and Joni from the Shelby County PTA did a fantastic job getting the schools to participate and to realize the importance of teaching fire safety to children.   

New Year's Eve Fireworks Safety

New Year’s Eve is the second most common holiday for fireworks. Buzzly and His Tree House Buddies urge you to play it safe when using fireworks to ring in the new year. “When handled by professionals, a fireworks show may look easy, but each year they cause injury, death and property damage because of misuse and accidents,” said Jim Greeson, Indiana State Fire Marshal. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2006 an estimated 9,200 people were injured by fireworks in the United States and had to be treated in a hospital emergency room. “You need to remember that restrictions are in place regarding the use of fireworks, as well as the possible penalties for violators,” Greeson added. “We want to stress the personal responsibility of each fireworks consumer. Obey our laws, follow directions for safe use and most importantly, apply common sense.” Fireworks law provisions:

Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.

Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.

Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person’s death.

If you feel a need to use fireworsk, please checkthe fireworks purchased to ensure they contain the following information:

Class “C”

Consumer Fireworks

Approximately 95-percent of all fireworks are produced in China.

In 2006, 49% of emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 46% were to the head. 55% of the 2006 fireworks injuries were burns, while 30% were contusions and lacerations.

One-third of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.

The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.

Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 28% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2006. If you choose to use fireworks, the IDHS Fire & Building Safety Division suggests following these important safety tips: Preparation

Obey local laws, including ban of fireworks due to drought.

Buy fireworks from a reliable, licensed dealer.

Read and follow all directions.

Do not alter any fireworks or attempt to make fireworks.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Safety glasses are recommended for the person lighting or nearby the fireworks, such as a helper. Location and Conditions

Keep a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby.

Use fireworks outdoors, never indoors.

Use in a clear, open area.

Keep spectators a safe distance from the show.

Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. Fireworks Use

Don’t allow children to handle, play with, or light any fireworks.

Designate one person to ignite fireworks.

Light only one firework item at a time.

Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any fireworks.

Never smoke when handling fireworks.

Drinking alcohol and using fireworks do not mix.

Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person

 

Fireworks are a beautiful type of celebration when they are used safely.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

  Having working smoke detectors in your homes is one of the easiest, least expensive life saving ways to protect your family.  Read the story below to see another example of how a smoke detector can save your life

December 29, 2008

CCOUNTY, GA (WALB) - A smoke alarm helped save the life of a 63-year-old Decatur County man.

Ashes and soot are what's left of David Smith's house. Around 3 am Sunday, Smith woke up to what he thought was the sound of his alarm clock.

It was actually his smoke detector. Smith has sleep apnea and sleeps with a mask and oxygen, so it's hard to hear or smell.

When he realized his home was on fire he jumped out the window.

He's okay and is staying with relatives. Smith says he doesn't have nearly enough insurance to cover everything he lost.