There are a many reasons to prepare for possible disasters in Lehi City. We live in a time where natural disasters are leaving thousands of people at the mercy of others to rely on during their great time of need. These disasters range from natural (earthquakes, floods, etc.), unnatural (power outages, engineering failures) and human involvement (terrorism, industrial incidents, etc.). Being prepared for such an occasion can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Each disaster has lasting effects, to people and property. If a disaster occurs, local government and relief organizations will try to help, but you need to be prepared as well. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts away from you. You should prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days in the event of a disaster. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation. 

 

Depending on the disaster circumstances, the first important decision is whether to stay or evacuate your home. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information to help determine your decision. Have a plan to either relocate to an area outside the disaster zone or to “shelter in place and seal the room”. Any location you chose to go to, you should have a 72 hour kit with you for every person in your family. By preparing your own 72 hour kit, you have to ability to configure your needs into the kit. You can also find kits that are prepared and ready to use at the time of an emergency. Either way be familiar with what you have in your kit. Common first aid supplies should be considered and any necessary medications that you may need. Food and water supplies should be able to last a single person a minimal of three days Meals Ready to Eat, are a great food supply for an emergency. Store bought foods are just as reliable and shelf-stable foods can be stored for at least 18 months. One gallon of water per day, for each person, should be stored for use. This will include drinking water and sanitary usage. You can store water in food grade plastic containers (2 liter soft drink bottles) or heavy duty reusable plastic containers. Water storage containers should be sealed tight and replaced every six months. 

 

These are a few ideas and suggestions. For more information you can do a web search for emergence preparedness or go to:

For many in Lehi, the use of fireworks has become a tradition. The beautifully colored sparks fly though the air in concert with thunderous reports.

As exciting as this may seem, people often forget that they are playing with explosive materials, dangerous chemicals and combustibles that can destroy property, harm or cause death to unsuspecting victims. These deceptively simple objects explode, throwing unburned powder, hot sparks and embers through the air at high velocities and often create temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Utah from 2002 to 2006, 367 fireworks related fire incidents were reported, resulting in over $490,000 loss. The safest way to enjoy the thrill of fireworks, pyrotechnic displays and flame effects is to let the professionals handle these products and attend a public fireworks display, a concert where pyrotechnics react to show design, or professional community displays.

We are asking for your help to keep your community safe this year by sharing this important information about fireworks safety.

We have experienced heavy snow and rain this spring which causes the grass to grow higher and thicker. As summer approaches these grasses will become dryer and the fire hazard will increase dramatically. The misuse of fireworks will cause dry grass to burn extremely fast.

Traverse Mountain and the Dry Creek Corridor have become part of the Wildland Urban Interface area by City Ordinance and are closed to the use of fireworks and open burning because of the extreme fire hazard in those areas.

There have been some significant changes in the Utah fireworks laws that go into effect this firework season. Please, pay particular attention to safety recommendations and safety tips from manufacturers and retailers who sell fireworks. Reading instructions this year will be significantly important with the introduction of “cake fireworks” and necessary to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury.

You may now purchase and use lawful fireworks from June 26 – July 26 and beginning December 26 and ending on January 1 and three days before and on the Chinese New Year of each year.

A new type of aerial firework is now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as “multiple tube,” “repeater,” or “cake” fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.

Still not allowed: firecrackers, M-80, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, Roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes. You can be arrested for the use of illegal fireworks.

Here are a few safety guidelines

• You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks.
• Fireworks need space from trees, carports, structures, power lines or other obstacles.
• New aerial fireworks are now lawful. Aerial or “cake” fireworks need to be on a firm, flat level surface and need at least a 30 foot clearance around on the ground and above in the air. Some need as much as 150 feet clearance in the air.
• Do not place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup or throw a burning firework and never look into the tube or stay close to the device during ignition.
• Do not alter, change or experiment with makeshift or any firework device and do not allow others to violate the law.
• Should a firework misfire or not light, do not attempt to re-ignite. Let the firework cool for 30 minutes then place in a bucket of water.
• Do not shoot fireworks in windy conditions.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Children in Utah are burned each year by sparklers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause serious burns that may require hospitalization.
• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision. Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Teach children to hold a sparkler at arm’s length from their body and not to wave sparklers or run while holding sparklers. Stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
• After a firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
• Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise and bright flashing lights can cause fear and stress.

Fireworks are an American tradition. Safety and common sense are so important as we celebrate the holidays with fireworks. Shooting fireworks can provide hours of wholesome family entertainment, but must be use carefully and safely. You may contact the Lehi Fire Department at 801-768-7130 for more information.