Happy 250th birthday, USA! Let’s celebrate it in a fun, safe way

Happy 250th birthday, USA! Let’s celebrate it in a fun, safe way

By Mike Causey
Insurance Commissioner

We’re celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4. It will be a great celebration for a great nation.

Festivities will include firing up the backyard grill and viewing fireworks.

Fireworks have been associated with our nation’s birthday from the beginning. Founding Father John Adams himself said the America’s birth should be commemorated with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, buns, bells, bonfires and “illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward and forever more.”

As we celebrate our 250th birthday, I encourage you to leave fireworks to the professionals. Many cities, towns and communities across North Carolina have fireworks displays over the Independence Day holiday.

I understand that many want to have their own backyard displays. If you choose to do that, please follow the following fireworks safety tips:

• Never let children light fireworks or use sparklers unattended.
• Use fireworks in a clear area outdoors, away from dry leaves, people, pets, buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, or anything combustible.
• Be aware of windy or drought conditions that could alter the trajectory of fireworks or start fires.
• Have a bucket of water or hose around in case of an unexpected fire or firework duds.
•  Never throw or point fireworks at anyone or ignite fireworks in a container.
•  Stabilize fireworks on the ground before lighting, preferably on a fire-safe surface such as a cement pad or a driveway. Never light a firework in your hand.
• Only light one firework at a time. Then move back quickly to a safe location.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never place any part of your body over a firework while lighting its fuse.
• Don’t pick up or try to re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak them in water.
• Douse all spent fireworks with water and then place them in a covered metal trash can away from buildings or combustibles until the next day.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 
• Only purchase and use fireworks labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

Grilling out hotdogs and burgers always makes for an enjoyable time with family and friends. I hope you’ll consider these commonsense safety tips when firing up your grill:

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed far away from the home and deck railings.
• Keep children and pets at least 10 feet away from the grill area.
• Never leave your grill unattended and always open the gas grill lid before lighting it.
• If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

It’s our 250th birthday! Let’s give it the celebration it deserves. Let’s do it safely.