Coronavirus outbreak has surged the use of hand sanitizers as the first line of defense against the virus. Frequent use of hand sanitizer is crucial to slow down the spread of coronavirus as advised by the health officials.
But if you plan on lighting off firecrackers oncoming holiday weekend, here is a warning to all of you by the fire department.
Hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs due to its high alcohol content. Which of course, could turn an evening of lighting off small firework and firecrackers dangerous this Fourth of July.
Fire Departments are strictly warning Americans to leave the hand sanitizer at home while setting off fireworks. Because it is made of at least 60% alcohol, which is highly flammable.
Fire Department of Greensboro, North Carolina has warned through a recent Facebook post –
‘Keep in mind, if you are using consumer fireworks this year, DO NOT USE HAND SANITIZER AT THE SAME TIME! Wash your hands only with soap and water. Hand Sanitizer is flammable!’
With the Fourth of July coming up this weekend, Americans hoping to spend the day outdoors safely reveling by using hand sanitizer. and setting off small fireworks while socially distancing may be unwittingly putting themselves in danger.
New York City canceled its Fourth of July fireworks
Instead setting them off unannounced during the week leading up the holiday. As a result of canceled shows, more Americans may be eager to set off their own fireworks.
There have been fireworks mishaps – a common cause of injuries in the US each summer. Despite the use of diligent hand sanitizing.
Hand sanitizers are made up of alcohol that can easily evaporate at room temperature – about 68 degrees. The fine vapor that arises becomes flammable at that temperature and can quickly go up in flames.
About more than 2,000 Americans wounded up in emergency rooms, last year across the US. They sustained injuries from fireworks. Considering a quarter of the year’s fireworks injuries in a single day.
Earlier this year, 50 years old man was killed by setting his house on fire. The accused – Connecticut woman used hand sanitizer to set fire and later was arrested.
Myth busted: Hand Sanitizer does not combust in cars
It’s an urban legend that hand sanitizer spontaneously combusts in hot cars, but it can easily catch fire if it’s near a flame – such as one from a cigarette lighter – and fuel car fires
So if you’re heading out to set off firecrackers, kindly take precautions measures. Protect yourself and your family members from possible coronavirus exposures. But leave the hand sanitizer home, and stick to hand washing.