CITY OF TROY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Matthew D. Simmons
4th of July Holiday Safety Tips
The summer season is upon us, which means more fun outdoors! The 4th of July weekend can be made more enjoyable by exercising safe practices. The Troy Fire Department is committed to the education and protection of our citizens and guests as we celebrate our country’s independence. In conjunction with the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the U.S. Fire Administration, we would like to provide the following safety tips:
FIREWORKS SAFETY INFORMATION
* Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
1. The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. We would encourage everyone this 4th of July to attend the public fireworks display provided by the City of Troy. It will be coordinated by licensed professionals, on the levy, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on July 4th.
2. If you plan to use any types of fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area. In addition, Ohio Revised Code 3743.65 makes it a first degree misdemeanor to unlawfully possess, sell, or discharge fireworks. Most first time violations of fireworks laws are first-degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Violations include falsifying the purchaser form, failing to complete the form, failing to transport fireworks out of state within the specified time period, and discharging 1.4G fireworks (3743.68 penalty section).
* Be Extra Careful With Sparklers
1. Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees. A fun alternative is to let your young children use glow sticks instead. They can be just as fun but they don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.
2. Closely supervise children around sparklers at all times.
This has been a very hot and dry beginning to our summer and we want to share some tips on how to enjoy the summer outdoors while staying safe.
Grill Safety:
• Have a garden hose, fire extinguisher or buckets of water at the ready.
• Keep grills clear from the residence, overhanging branches, grass and other dry or flammable areas and materials. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children and dry grass and other areas.
• Never grill under a tent, canopy or in a garage.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
Fire Pit Safety:
Before you have a recreational fire, ensure there are no fire bans by checking with the Troy Fire Department (335-5678).
• If in a public area, know and follow all of the local rules.
• Wear well-fitted clothing. Loose articles and flammable material such as nylon should be avoided.
• Dig a pit in the dirt and circle it with rocks. The fire area must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
• Remove all grass, twigs, leaves and extra firewood within a 10-foot diameter of the fire.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Extinguish thoroughly. Allow all wood to burn to ash, douse every ember in water and stir them with a shovel. Make sure everything is cool and wet to the touch.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Assistant Chief Gary Stanley
Fire Prevention Bureau
Phone: (937) 339-0495