One reason you switched to artificial turf is so you could use your lawn instead of maintaining it. And what could be more appropriate than hosting backyard festivities on the Fourth of July – our nation’s biggest (and probably loudest) annual celebration?
Fireworks are a must for this occasion, and many of us like to put on a display at home. But you don’t want sparks to injure your family, guests, or pets. And you certainly don’t want to set your home on fire! Errant sparks can also damage your artificial turf. While it won’t burn in the traditional sense, it can melt if something hot enough comes in contact with it.
So this is a good time to review some backyard fireworks safety tips:
- Choose a flat, non-flammable place to set off your fireworks, with no nearby shrubs, walls, roofs, or overhanding trees. Concrete, stone, sand, or bare dirt are best.
- Keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby, to immediately address any problems.
- Set out another bucket of water, and put extinguished fireworks in it (wait about 10 minutes to be sure the remains are cool.) Put any duds into the bucket, too. Never put these things directly into the trash.
- Keep spectators at least 25 yards away for ground-based or 75 yards away for aerial fireworks.
- Skip the show if it’s too windy, to avoid blowing sparks or having fireworks tip over as they launch.
- Light just one item at a time, and step away as soon as you light it.
- Choose a “designated igniter,” because alcohol and fireworks don’t mix well. Better yet, check out our guide to interesting, refreshing summer backyard beverages everyone can enjoy.
Provide fun-but-safe “fireworks” for the little ones
Curious kids just naturally want to get up-close-and-personal with fireworks – something that strikes fear into the heart of every parent. Sparklers can be fun, but they are also dangerous. They may not explode, but they burn at 1200o F, so sparks can cause a severe burn. Supervision is definitely in order.
But there are also easy DIY alternatives you can create to safely amuse young children and keep them occupied until it’s dark enough to watch the official backyard display.
What else can cause fires or damage your artificial turf?
Your grill, among other things. Organizing a backyard barbecue is right up there with fireworks when it comes to putting on the ultimate Independence Day party. But there are important safety precautions to observe here, too.
For one thing, an errant hot coal can melt a spot on your artificial turf, just like sparks from fireworks. But just because you have a gas grill instead, don’t think you’re automatically protected. Every year, gas grills cause more than 500 house fires. And more than 7,000 people are injured while they’re barbecuing.
Did you know the Chinese invented fireworks to ward off evil spirits? If you follow these safety tips for backyard fireworks and barbecuing, you’ll be doing everything in your human power to ward off the “evils” of burns and fires.
And if stray sparks or a hot coal do find their way to your artificial turf, don’t despair. And definitely don’t let it ruin your celebration. Just give us a call. Our crackerjack Heavenly Greens technicians are not only expert at installing artificial turf, they’re here for you when you need a repair, too.
But don’t call till after the 4th. We’ll be off celebrating that day, right along with you and our other neighbors here in the South Bay.
