We Care About Our Families and Their Homes

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, which means barbecues, swimming, family and lots of fun! But, it also means fireworks. If used properly, fireworks are a fun and beautiful display. If used improperly, you could harm yourself or even your home. It is important to be prepared. Below is a statement the Aboite Fire Department shared to their Facebook page regarding home safety and fireworks. We hope you have a fun and safe Fourth of July Weekend!

Home Safety:

Aboite Fire Department wants you to check your smoke detector today! Check to make sure they are not more than 10 years old (this is the life span of most smoke detectors). If they are replace them as soon as possible. Check your batteries. Did you change them when you changed your clocks? If you did you are fine, if you did not you need to change them immediately. Smoke detectors do save lives.

If you do not have working smoke detectors and live in Aboite Township and cannot afford them please call the station at 260-436-1449 and they will provide/install them for you free of charge.

Fireworks Safety:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.

Sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.