The Fourth of July traditionally presents the biggest fire danger to residents and causes a great number of fire and burn injuries.

Firework safety in the City of Carlsbad

• The City of Carlsbad explicitly prohibits the sale or use of any fireworks.
• Only people with special licenses are allowed "controlled" fireworks displays.
• Residents can report illegal use of fireworks by calling 9-1-1.
• Most fireworks related fires occur in dry brush and grass, but houses can be destroyed or damaged.
• Nationally, more than $36 million in property damage occurs each year due to fireworks.
• Most burn injuries related to fireworks involve children. These are usually burns to the hands and eyes causing vision impairment, loss of fingers and disfiguring scars.
• Sparklers are the biggest danger. A tip temperature at the end of the sparkler reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and will burn or ignite most anything including a child's fingers.
• Most fireworks injuries are caused by Class C fireworks, which are usually legal in many states. 
   

Leave fireworks to the professionals

• Restrictions on fireworks are for the safety of everyone.
• Small and large fireworks are a potential fire starter.
• Consult the newspaper or local activity calendar for approved, licensed fireworks displays in and around the City of Carlsbad.

Halloween is meant to be spooky and fun, but it's also important to keep people safe when venturing out in the evening.

• Purchase only flame-retardant costumes and masks.
• Be sure costumes fit properly to prevent tripping and falling.
• Masks should allow full vision.
• When trick or treating, wear something reflective, carry a flashlight and travel in groups.
• Do not walk in the street and remove mask before crossing a street.
• Have a Halloween party or stay home with friends.
• Check all treats carefully before eating them. Throw unwrapped candy and fruit away.
• Report anything suspicious
• Use a small flashlight or a liquid glow stick instead of a candle to light a jack-o-lantern.
• Never use combustible materials in a haunted house, especially Styrofoam and other plastics, gauze like materials and other loose flammables such as leaves and papers. These materials can quickly cause the spread of fire.

A dried out Christmas tree can be totally consumed by a fire in less than 30 seconds. Follow these simple tips to ensure this season's safety.

Christmas Trees

• Trees cut out of the state have been drying out since they were harvested.
• When buying a Christmas tree, trees with brown, shedding needles should be rejected.
• Look for green and fresh trees with needles that bend.
• A shower of falling needles shows that the tree is too dry.
• Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations at the end of the night or when leaving the house.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. A short circuit could cause a fire 
• Keep children away from light sets and electrical decorations.
• When stringing lights on the tree, be careful of placement. Keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments.
• Lights in windows can cause curtains and drapes to ignite.

Candles

• Keep candles a safe distance from other things. 
• Keep candles out of the reach of children
• Always use non-flammable holders.
   

Trimming the tree

• Use tinsel or artificial icicles of a non-leaded material. Leaded materials may be hazardous if eaten by children or pets.
• Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily or have sharp edges.

Deep fry turkey safety

Every year countless fires and burn injuries are caused by improper use of turkey fryers. Follow these important guidelines to maintain safety during the season.

• Make sure turkey is completely thawed. Excess water will cause oil to spill over causing fire or explosion.
• Always use turkey fryers outside and at a safe distance from structures and combustibles.
• Make sure fryer is used on level surface.
• Never leave fryer unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from fryer when in use.
• Do not overfill fryer.
• In case of fire, use a dry-chemical, multi-purpose extinguisher.
• Follow all safety instructions provided with the deep fryer.