Are you ready for a festive and fun Fourth of July weekend? If your weekend includes fireworks, we want to encourage you to plan now for the post-fun cleanup. Why? In 2014, an estimated 10,500 firework injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments with nearly half of those injuries happening to individuals under the age of 20.
In an effort to be better safe than sorry, here are 3 things you need to have on hand for the post-Fourth of July cleanup:
Broom
Have a broom nearby on your porch or deck to be used to sweep up any debris that might be left behind after your celebration. While you may be tempted to sweep up after every round of fireworks, it is suggested you wait until the end of the evening and let the items on the ground have a chance to cool before sweeping them up and tossing them into a bucket of water (see below).
Bucket of Water
A bucket of water serves two purposes: 1) It can put out an unexpected fire and 2) It can be used as an immediate “garbage can” for firework debris. Sweep up the wrappings, packaging and other debris and toss them into the bucket of water to ensure they will be completely extinguished. You can also use this as a place to house the “dud” fireworks—which should never be re-lit.
Coffee Can
Even after the flame is gone, sparkler wires are really hot—in other words, do not toss them in a nearby trashcan. Instead take a coffee can or soup can, fill it with dirt or sand, and put your used sparkler wires in it. When you leave, simply take the entire can with you.
Leave both the water bucket and coffee can outside—away from any buildings or combustible materials—until the next day. Then, you can toss them in your regular outdoor trashcan.
Talk to us: Where will you be celebrating July 4th this weekend?
image courtesy of flickr CC/Kain Road Cul de Sac