Summer Fire Safety: What Every Georgia Resident Should Know

Summer is a great time to be in Georgia—it’s a season filled with fun, relaxation, exciting outdoor activities, and, of course, peaches! However, it’s also a time of year fraught with fire risks. From the 4th of July fireworks to summer campfires and beach bonfires, many summer activities can turn from fun to frightening fast. That’s why it’s so important to understand fire safety protocols before enjoying these quintessential summer activities.

When you fail to follow fire safety standards, you don’t just risk fire damage to your property. You’re also putting the safety of everyone around you at risk. So, let’s review the essential safety tips to keep your summer pastimes safe and enjoyable.

Ignite Summer Fun, Not Fire, With These Simple Rules

Following some basic safety guidelines when lighting fireworks, making campfires, or hosting a bonfire this summer can prevent accidents, and fire and smoke damage to your property. Read on to learn how to guarantee a safe environment for you and your loved ones.

Firework Safety to Sparkle Safely

Like the rest of the USA, fireworks are a staple of Independence Day celebrations here in Georgia. But as spectacular as these light shows in the sky can be, they also come with inherent risks. In fact, did you know fireworks are the cause of more than 19,000 injuries each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association? Here are some key firework safety tips to remember before you start your pyrotechnic display.

• Only use legal fireworks; never make your own fireworks.
• Always read and adhere to the instructions on the label.
• Always follow your local government’s laws and regulations regarding fireworks.
• Fireworks should always be lit outdoors, in open areas away from buildings, trees, and flammable materials.
• Only light one single firework at a time, and do not attempt to relight a firework that failed to set the first time.
• Keep fireworks away from young children, and don’t allow minors to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
• Have a water source readily available at all times in case of emergencies.
• If an emergency happens, contact your local 911.
  Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before discarding them.

If you have questions about the specific laws in Georgia regarding fireworks, check out the State’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire’s “Safety Tips for Fireworks” or give them a call.

Keep Your Bonfires Safe & Fun

Bonfires–these large, controlled outdoor fires, often built for celebration or ceremonial purposes, are an exciting way to unite the community. However, if not properly set up and maintained, bonfires can grow so great in size that they quickly devolve into disaster. Don’t let a celebratory evening result in a bonfire tragedy. Follow these bonfire safety guidelines to make sure no person or property gets harmed at your summer bonfire event.

• Build your bonfire in a designated fire pit or a cleared area free of vegetation.
• Be sure to keep your fire a safe distance away from structures, trees, and other flammable objects. Local laws will vary, but many mandate at least 50 feet between the bonfire and your home.
• Never leave a bonfire unattended, and always have plenty of water or a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Use dry, seasoned wood to minimize excessive smoke and sparks.
• Douse your bonfire with water and stir the ashes to ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Looking for more specifics on setting up a safe bonfire and avoiding injury? Check out these bonfire safety tips from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Cozy Up Carefully With These Safe Campfire Must-Knows

Camping is a fun and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors, and no camping experience is complete without a warm fire to cook and snuggle up around. But making a campfire also requires careful attention to fire safety. Before you light your logs, read these safety tips.

• • Stick to designated fire pits, or be sure your spot is safe for fires before you build.
  • Clear away leaves and sticks around the fire, and keep tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear away from open flames.
  • Use only dry, seasoned wood for burning.
  • Keep your campfire small.
  • Light up with matches or a lighter, not with flammable liquids.
  • Have water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher handy.
  • Always keep an eye on the fire and fully douse and stir ashes until cool before leaving the fire unattended.
  • Never roughhouse near the fire.
  • Don’t wear any flammable clothes near the campfire.
  • Educate children about fire safety and supervise them at all times.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Summer

Summer in Georgia is a great time to come together with friends and celebrate the warmer weather with fun outdoor activities like fireworks displays, bonfires, and camping. At Penco Restoration, we understand better than most the importance of fire safety and the devastating impact that fire and smoke damage can have on your home and life. Remember, in the case that a fire does break out on your property, to follow the below steps.

• Stay Calm: Keep your composure and act quickly.
• Evacuate: Get everyone out of the house immediately.
• Call 911: Contact emergency services as soon as you are safe.
• Do Not Re-enter: Never go back inside a burning building.
• Follow Firefighter Instructions: Adhere to guidance from emergency responders.

After a fire has been extinguished and it is safe to return, call Penco Restoration for professional fire and smoke damage restoration services. Our team will help you:

• Assess the Damage: We’ll thoroughly evaluate the extent of fire and smoke damage.
• Secure Your Property: We’ll make sure your home is safe and secure from further damage.
• Clean Up: We’ll remove soot, smoke, and water used to extinguish the fire.
• Restore: We’ll repair and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Our team is dedicated to providing expert damage restoration services in every season to help you recover quickly and efficiently. Learn more about our fire damage restoration services and how we can assist you in an emergency.

Call PENCO to Restore Your Georgia Property Now

When you’re dealing with damage on your property due to fire, smoke, water, storm, or mold, choose PENCO Restoration in Sharpsburg, GA, for your restoration needs. We’re the only restoration company that offers Georgia residents the PENCO promise – to return your home to its pre-loss condition and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. Call PENCO at 770-683-7362 today to schedule an assessment.