Lake Travis/NW Austin Fire and Water Damage Restoration Company Promotes Fireworks Safety

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

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Summary: SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin urges people to be careful when using fireworks.

Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays are an American tradition. Residents of NW Austin, Lake Travis, and the surrounding areas enjoy this tradition. SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin, a fire and water damage restoration specialist, urges people to be careful when shooting off fireworks on Independence Day. The first use of fireworks in a July 4th celebration was in Boston, MA, in 1777. Founding father, John Adams said he wanted the anniversary of independence to be remembered for years with such things as “bonfires” and “illuminations.” Since the first July 4th fireworks display occurred during the Revolutionary War, some historians think the fireworks were intended as a “morale booster.” These early celebrations would have also included the firing of guns and cannons, adding to the explosive nature of the festivities.

Fireworks Can Be Dangerous

The National Fire Protection Association provides these fireworks fire and injury statistics to drive home the potential danger that can arise from improperly handling fireworks. “Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.”

How to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks

Fireworks are fun, but they also can be dangerous. The Texas Department of Insurance offers these fireworks safety tips to know how to have fun with fireworks and stay safe. 1. Know and follow local laws. Understand the local law and contact the local fire officials if there are any questions. Some places allow only certain types of fireworks, but most areas do not allow fireworks within city limits or during burn bans. 2. Find out if a permit is required. Organizers will need a permit from the local fire department if they are holding a fireworks event for a group of fifty or greater. 3. Hire licensed professionals. Make sure that the people hired to put on a group fireworks display have a pyrotechnic operator’s license that is valid in Texas. Contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office by phone at 1-800-578-4677 or by email at Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov to find out if the individual or individuals have a Texas license. 4. Confirm that fireworks are legal in the area in question. Anyone can use fireworks any day of the year as long as the fireworks are not banned in the area where they are being used. However, fireworks can only be sold at certain times of the year. This sales period typically falls during the week or so leading up to a major holiday. Besides the Fourth of July and the New Year’s season, Texas counties can also choose to include Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), San Jacinto Day (April 21st), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), and Memorial Day. 5. Be safe! It is essential to follow safety practices whenever fireworks are used. Children should not play with fireworks, and an adult or adults should always be vigilant whenever children are near fireworks. In addition, never consume alcohol when setting off fireworks. Follow the instructions on the firework, and only use the explosive in the way it is intended to be used. The fireworks set up should not be near brush, dry grass, flammable materials, or flammable substances. Never aim fireworks at a house, structure, person, or animal. In case of emergencies, keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or other water sources nearby. SERVPRO provides these fireworks safety tips as a public service to the residents of Lake Travis/NW Austin in the hopes that everyone will have an enjoyable, safe, and patriotic Fourth of July.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration Process

When a home or business is dealing with the aftermath of a fire, the damage that it can cause to the property structure and valuable possessions can be extremely devastating. Here at SERVPRO, the team understands the stress, confusion, and emotions that are present when dealing with this kind of ordeal. The SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled and certified, as well as equipped with fire damage restoration equipment to take special care of the client’s property and possessions. The SERVPRO team will be there with the customer every step along the way to explain the process to help get them through this stressful time. After the fire trucks leave, the home or business likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore a home to its pre-fire condition. Every fire damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the process for the typical fire damage emergency. Step 1: Emergency Contact. The restoration process begins when a customer calls SERVPRO. A representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help SERVPRO respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. SERVPRO technicians carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of the property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the team can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (If Water Damage Is Present). The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. SERVPRO technicians then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces. Specialized equipment and techniques are used to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing. Skilled technicians clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. SERVPRO employs a variety of cleaning techniques to restore belongings to pre-fire conditions. The SERVPRO specialists are also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. Step 7: Restoration. Restoration is the final step—getting a home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Conclusion. SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin hopes that everyone’s Fourth of July celebration will be safe, enjoyable, and fire-free. The team of fire and water damage experts is proud to serve Lake Travis, Briarcliff, and NW Austin. To learn more about fire and water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin at https://www.SERVPROlaketravisnwaustin.com. Contact a SERVPRO representative by phone at (512) 318-2202.