Independence Day celebrations, primarily shooting off fireworks, are the quintessential American tradition. These brilliant displays of bursting color are what the holiday is all about. Seriously. You can’t get any more American than setting off a bunch of bottle rockets, sparklers or M-80s. The only Patriotic icons that bleed darker shades of red, white and blue are apple pie and baseball.
Unfortunately, fireworks have a downside that is all too well-documented. Every year, thousands of Americans find themselves spending the holiday in an Emergency Room treating flesh wounds due to improper handling and storing fireworks. Fireworks are a lucrative, yet dangerous industry. Nearly 13,000 Americans were injured in 2017 by these Independence Day mainstays and eight people lost their lives by the way of an explosion during that same time.
Improper explosive storage can make your business go out with a bang
Most fireworks’ related injuries result from fallen shrapnel or simply ignoring basic common sense. Easy access to alcoholic beverages certainly doesn’t help matters as impaired senses aren’t always conducive to sound decision making. While these small packages appear benign and underpowered, improper storage of fireworks can forever change lives. Two years ago, a Florida man was killed when his sister tried to resolve a rodent infestation by lighting a firecracker and throwing it at the rat. The errant firecracker missed its intended target, but did find an area of exposed insulation, quickly incinerating the mobile home. The woman’s brother was unable to escape.
Every year, national headlines are populated by fireworks’ related explosions and 2019 was no different. Over the Independence Day holiday, a fire broke out outside a fireworks story in Fort Mill, South Carolina. In a matter of seconds, containers outside Davy Jones Fireworks became impromptu rocket launchers as the holiday projectiles streamed skyward. On the bright side – other than the flashy misguided display of fireworks – passing motorists got quite the treat as they had front row seats to the Palmetto State’s best rocket display of the day.
Large explosive storage magazine can secure fireworks from rebelling
Despite the warm glow of the rockets red glare, pyrotechnicians and the store managers likely winced and scoffed at the perceived total lack of responsibility. To say this incident could’ve been prevented is a gross statement. Fort Mill fire officials haven’t released a cause for the fire, but it’s safe to say that a miscommunication likely led to this Ft. Henry reenactment.
Even if this was an act of arson, the South Carolina fireworks display could’ve been completely prevented had the store’s manager contacted U.S Hazmat Rentals and secured a large explosive storage magazine. Our prefabricated, self-contained Type IV outdoor magazine is constructed to be fire, weather and theft resistant. These large magazines meet or exceed ATF standards to Article 77 of the 1997 Uniform Fire Code. The British themselves couldn’t penetrate this steel that was made in the spirit of American fortitude and resiliency. Made with 12-gauge steel, you won’t have to worry about hefty fines or insurance claims as a result of mistimed Fourth of July celebrations.
Added feature means extra security
The U.S. Hazmat Rentals explosive storage magazines come in three different sizes: small, medium and large. All units are made from various gauges of steel, so be sure to ask one our experienced advisers what the best size is for you. Don’t let the plywood or hardwood interiors fool you. These are spark-resistant linings complement the dual hasp and hood systems for added protection. Contact us today for a free consultation and the advantages of renting vs owning.
