Latest news with #NationalFireProtectionAssociation
Indianapolis Star
3 hours ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
Sparklers are a fun tradition for children around the Fourth of July holiday. But they also can be incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of a toddler. According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others. Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler. The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Setting off Fourth of July fireworks? Here's how to celebrate safely in PA, Bucks County
Summer is in full swing and with the Fourth of July right around the corner, the night skies across Bucks County will soon be illuminated with fireworks big and small. But if you're planning on celebrating at home, its important to know the law in Pennsylvania. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and caused $109 million in property damage. In 2023, fireworks were also involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here's what you need to know about buying, handling and enjoying fireworks this year: Pennsylvanians can buy and use "Class C" or consumer-grade fireworks like firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Larger "display fireworks" are only to be used by professionals with a municipal permit. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase, possess and use consumer-grade fireworks in Pennsylvania. Consumer fireworks do not include ground and hand-held sparklers and other novelties which are not restricted. Consumer fireworks in Pennsylvania are sold by retailers in stand-alone, permanent structures licensed by the Department of Agriculture. They can also be purchased online but they must be delivered to a licensed, permanent structure. The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner has provided a list of tips to help keep you and your friends and family safe this summer: Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol, illegal drugs or medication that can cause impairment. Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Keep fireworks away from young children. Sparklers are the No. 2 cause of fireworks-related visits to the ER, according to the Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner. Soak spent and unused fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away. Wear eye protection and don't handle fireworks directly once lit. Never light fireworks inside pr near other people or buildings. Only light one firework at a time. Don't handle or attempt to relight a failed firework. Wait 5-10 minutes and then place duds in a bucket of water. Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at LLatch@ This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Are fireworks legal in PA? What to know before setting off fireworks
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
My home was destroyed by an everyday appliance — don't let the same tragedy happen to you
Tanya Bennett's life was literally left in ruins after she received a shocking call on June 9. 'I was at work and the neighbour called to say my house was on fire and she'd called the fire brigade,' Bennett told NeedToKnow. The 36-year-old had cleaned her home in Telford, England, the night prior to the fire, and unknowingly left a vacuum cleaner plugged in overnight. 'I couldn't believe it when the firefighters said it was caused by the vacuum cleaner.' After receiving the call from her eagle-eyed neighbor, Bennett raced home, concerned about her three dogs — French bulldogs Lewi, Monkey, and Cockapoo Luna. When she arrived, she found her house completely engulfed in flame and was distressed to learn that only one dog, who had been shut in the kitchen, had been recovered at that point. Bennett explained that the door to the kitchen had been shut, blocking the spread of the fire, and leaving it the only room in the house that wasn't damaged by flame, smoke, or soot. 'The other two dogs were trapped upstairs by the smoke,' Bennett recalled. 'It was heartbreaking. I was screaming and crying, and they brought the dogs out one by one.' 'I'm absolutely devastated, helpless and in shock,' she said. After the fire was put out, Bennett entered the house to assess the damage. 'All the furniture is covered in soot, the TV cabinet is melted, and all of my drawers of clothes are covered in soot. Basically, every single item in my house is covered by smoke. There's not one single item that is not. I need to replace everything, and it will cost thousands,' she said. 'The whole house needs specialist cleaning, and I can't go in without PPE.' While the Telford home is being repaired, cleaned, and inspected for safety, Bennett has been left homeless and is currently residing in a temporary accommodation. The three dogs, all alive and safe after the incident, have been left in the care of a friend in the meantime. 'I didn't think that a vacuum cleaner could even catch fire. How much damage it's caused is crazy. Apparently, the dust particles inside are very combustible,' Bennett reflected. 'Just turn everything off at the wall or unplug appliances,' she advised. 'Even though the electrics tripped and cut off, it didn't matter as the fire still continued once it had sparked.' While experts at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advise unplugging motor-reliant appliances to avoid overheating and electrical fires, the agency also warns that battery-powered vacuums, which are becoming increasingly more common in American households, and appliances are often at risk of sudden ignition.
New York Post
11-06-2025
- General
- New York Post
My home was destroyed by an everyday appliance — don't let the same tragedy happen to you
Tanya Bennett's life was literally left in ruins after she received a shocking call on June 9. 'I was at work and the neighbour called to say my house was on fire and she'd called the fire brigade,' Bennett told NeedToKnow. The 36-year-old had cleaned her home in Telford, England, the night prior to the fire, and unknowingly left a vacuum cleaner plugged in overnight. 4 Experts estimate the damage will cost thousands. Jam Press 4 Every room in the home except the kitchen was impacted by the fire. Jam Press 'I couldn't believe it when the firefighters said it was caused by the vacuum cleaner.' After receiving the call from her eagle-eyed neighbor, Bennett raced home, concerned about her three dogs — French bulldogs Lewi, Monkey, and Cockapoo Luna. When she arrived, she found her house completely engulfed in flame and was distressed to learn that only one dog, who had been shut in the kitchen, had been recovered at that point. 4 The three dogs were rescued by firefighters. Jam Press Bennett explained that the door to the kitchen had been shut, blocking the spread of the fire, and leaving it the only room in the house that wasn't damaged by flame, smoke, or soot. 'The other two dogs were trapped upstairs by the smoke,' Bennett recalled. 'It was heartbreaking. I was screaming and crying, and they brought the dogs out one by one.' 'I'm absolutely devastated, helpless and in shock,' she said. After the fire was put out, Bennett entered the house to assess the damage. 4 Bennett said the destruction may take weeks to repair. Jam Press 'All the furniture is covered in soot, the TV cabinet is melted, and all of my drawers of clothes are covered in soot. Basically, every single item in my house is covered by smoke. There's not one single item that is not. I need to replace everything, and it will cost thousands,' she said. 'The whole house needs specialist cleaning, and I can't go in without PPE.' While the Telford home is being repaired, cleaned, and inspected for safety, Bennett has been left homeless and is currently residing in a temporary accommodation. The three dogs, all alive and safe after the incident, have been left in the care of a friend in the meantime. 'I didn't think that a vacuum cleaner could even catch fire. How much damage it's caused is crazy. Apparently, the dust particles inside are very combustible,' Bennett reflected. 'Just turn everything off at the wall or unplug appliances,' she advised. 'Even though the electrics tripped and cut off, it didn't matter as the fire still continued once it had sparked.' While experts at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advise unplugging motor-reliant appliances to avoid overheating and electrical fires, the agency also warns that battery-powered vacuums, which are becoming increasingly more common in American households, and appliances are often at risk of sudden ignition.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grilling for Memorial Day? Here's how to avoid a fire
(WKBN) – It's Memorial Day weekend and state fire officials want Ohioans to stay safe during the holiday. Many families will be grilling, but it can be dangerous if not done safely. You should keep your grill at least three feet away from your home or anything flammable. Check your grill for damage before using it. Never leave a grill unattended, and keep kids and pets away. Always be prepared and have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of flare-ups. 'If you can, absolutely, you want to have a hose nearby or some kind of a water source nearby is always a good idea. They do make smaller fire extinguishers that you can keep on standby just for that reason,' said Paul Martin, fire prevention assistant chief. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that gas grills cause over 9,200 home fires each year. Fire safety is also important for those camping and having a bonfire. 'You want to make sure that you have a good zone around that campfire where there's no burnable materials. So you want to clear out a good path at least three feet around the campfire,' Martin said. 'You also want to make sure that you're at least 15 feet away from any structures.' He says those having a bonfire should use pre-made fire rings to keep the fire contained and prevent it from spreading. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
