FIREWORKS FACTS:
Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.
Facts & figures
In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.
On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Source: NFPAs Fireworks report, by John R. Hall, Jr., June 2009
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SKFR Smoke Detector SURVEY
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| South King Fire Needs Your Help With Smoke Detector Research Project | | South King Fire & Rescue is currently looking for citizens willing to participate in a smoke detectors in the home research project. The research project has specific target audiences that will need data to support the research results and lead to enhanced safety of al citizens. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and South King Fire & Rescue are looking to use this research to develop smoke detector programs for all age groups. Those citizens aged 65 and over are a key population component to address over a five year operational period of their strategic planning. So, if you&... Read More | | Barbecue Season is Finally Here! | There are a few things to watch out for when cooking outdoors so that you enjoy yourself and stay safe!
Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. It is both dangerous and illegal.
Propane barbecue grills and no more than two (2) 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or two-family home, but be sure to follow the fire safety precautions below.
Only use a charcoal barbecue grill on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (garden hose or four (... Read More | | FIREWORKS SAFETY: |  Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that more fires are reported on that day than any other day of the year in the United States? More than half of these fires are caused by fireworks. The good news is you can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, with just a few simple safety tips:
Leave fireworks to the professionals.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may s... Read More | | LEGAL OR NOT, FIREWORKS ARE TOO RISKY FOR AMATEURS | Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment these are too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. To keep the public safe from fireworks-related injuries and deaths, the nonprofit NFPA urges everyone to treat fireworks, whether legal or illegal for consumers, as suitable only for use by trained professionals. According to NFPA, amateur fireworks use endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year.
"Safe... Read More |
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| South King Fire Participates in Multi Agency Marine Rescue Drill |
17 agencies recently participated in a marine rescue exercise and security response on the waters of Chambers Bay, between Steilacoom and University Place. The exercise took place near the Pierce County wastewater treatment plant off Chambers Creek Dr. The goal was to evaluate both individual agency capabilities and their ability to effectively communicate and work together.
This exercise series was designed to last approximately eight hours, and included actual demonstrations of rescue swimmers hoisting victims into a helicopter. Responders had the opportunity to practice their skills using personal water craft and boats in rescues, as well as practice response to a vessel fire simulation. A subsurface dive rescue team was also included as responders for the first time this year. Marine units trained using different vessels simultaneously during the water rescues.
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