Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 6-26-15

June 26, 2015 Thunderbolt
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Fourth of July: C

by Senior Airman the confines of Luke Air Force Base. On When a device is

MARCY COPELAND holidays, licensed and bonded person- lands on a roof or

56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs nel will handle fireworks in accordance can ignite combus
with National Fire Protection Associa- retrieved. Major h
On July 4th, America will celebrate tion 1125 standards.
injuries are often
its 239th birthday with festivities Here are a few safety tips to remember ing illegal firewor
across the country. They may include when using fireworks:
fireworks, swimming, boating, camp- • Never disassemble or try to make works or firework

ing, picnics, barbeques, consumption of your own fireworks. Water

alcohol and travel. According the Ce

• Avoid pointing sparklers or fire- Control and Preve
“From 2009 to 2013 during the sum- works at yourself or others.
through 2009, ther
mer months of June through Septem- • Light fireworks only on the ground of 3,533 fatal uninte
ber, the Air Force had three fatalities,” and in areas that are fire resistant. annually in the Un
said Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing • Do not attempt to light multiple de- averages to about t
Ground Safety manager. “There were vices at the same time.
An additional 347
62 injuries which resulted in the cost • Never allow young children to han- year from drowning
of more than $369,000.”
dle fireworks or sparklers. incidents.
Fireworks
• Always keep a portable fire extin- Here are some im
According to the National Safety guisher close by. Also keep a water remember when en
Council, in 2010, fireworks caused an hose or buckets of water nearby to of water activity:
estimated 15,500 reported fires, in- put out fires.
cluding 1,100 structure fires. These • “Any time you combine fire, explo- • Swim in designat

vised by lifeguard
fires resulted in an estimated 8,600 sives and amateurs, and add more • Always swim with
people treated in emergency rooms for than a dash of alcohol in many cas- allow anyone to s
fireworks-related injuries, of which 39 es, you’re staring at that old stand- • Never leave a you
percent were under age 16.
by ‘recipe for disaster,’” said Ron tended near wate
If the plan is to set off fireworks, be Martin, 56th CES fire and emergen- a child’s life to an
sure to observe city laws, or if uncertain, cy services assistant fire chief. “We children to alway
contact the city’s local fire department see a lot of house and grass fires
to go near water.
regarding rules and regulations. If living from bottle rockets, firecrackers and • Have young child
on base, consult the 56th Fighter Wing sparklers.
Ground Safety Office, 56th Civil Engineer • Bottle rockets and firecrackers can enced swimmers

Squadron fire and emergency services or fly in any direction prior to explod- Guard-approved l

the 56th Security Forces Squadron. water, but do not

ing and sparklers burn at tem- alone.
Fireworks are not to be used within peratures hot enough to melt gold. • Maintain constan