Design your parade float with fire safety in mind.
From high school homecoming floats of student design and construction to professionally created Rose Bowl contenders, parade floats are imaginative, celebratory vehicles. To ensure the safety of those on and near the floats, certain precautions need to be taken to reduce the chance of fire.
Fire Retardant Decorations
Select materials that are fire retardant. Some crepe paper and foil are fire resistant. You can check the flammability of materials by holding the item vertically and placing a lighted match one half-inch below. If it ignites, the material should self-extinguish upon removal of the flame.
If a product does not clearly state it is fire retardant, treat it with a commercial solution or make your own. To do so, mix 1-1/4 pounds of boric acid with 9 ounces of borax; stir into 3 gallons of water.
Fire Extinguisher
Have a 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher on the float, tagged, sealed and dated within the past 12 months. Be sure all float participants know the location of the extinguisher and operate it. If the driver is enclosed, he should have a separate fire extinguisher.
Escape Routes
Every float participant needs to be aware of the emergency escape routes in case of fire. If the driver or any riders are inside enclosures, they need quick escape routes that do not require tools to open the exit.
No Fire or Open Flames
It is too dangerous to have a fire or open flame of any type on a float. Think of alternative ways to simulate a fire. Dry ice can be used to represent smoke and is not a fire hazard.
Generators
If using a generator, it should be securely mounted on the vehicle and have 12 inches or more of clearance from any flammable or combustible material. Do not use a generator in an enclosed area where a person will be riding.
Electrical Wiring
If you are running 120 AC or higher current through your wiring, you could have a potential fire hazard if it is not wired properly. Wire according to National Electrical Code® standards. Do not allow any bare wires.
Fire Wall
Do not remove the fire wall of the driver's compartment if your float is built on a vehicle instead of being towed. For driver safety, leave the fire wall intact or replace it with a substantial metal substitute. If you are building the engine compartment of your float, it should be constructed to normal auto standards for fire and heat safety.
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