July 2, 2019 – Independence Day is right around the corner! With so many ways to celebrate around Southwest Florida, you likely have big plans for the occasion! If you are planning on doing a firework display of your own, LCEC reminds you to proceed with caution by:
Keeping fireworks away from power lines!!
Fireworks should only be lit in open areas where there are absolutely no power lines in sight. Should a firework accidentally come in contact with an overhead power line, call 911 and your electric utility immediately! If you are an LCEC customer, you should call 239-656-2300.
Fireworks are as dangerous as they are beautiful!
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 9,300 fireworks-related injuries happen per year! This injuries range from people misusing everything from large-scale fireworks to firecrackers, rockets and sparklers. Sparklers alone burn at almost 2,000 degrees!
Additional safety tips from the U.S. Product Safety Commission include:
• Children should never, ever help adults with fireworks. Do not give children fireworks or sparklers.
• Firework spectators should be at least 20 feet away and not downwind of fireworks.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from anything flammable.
• Read all instructions on fireworks!
• Keep water close by in care of fire.
• If your fireworks don’t light or malfunction, never try to relight!
There are many dazzling firework shows happening around town that are run by professionals and supervised by firefighters. These shows are a safe and fun way to end Independence Day with a beautiful bang!
LCEC wishes you and yours a safe and happy Independence Day!