Drano Bombs

      
     When I read this on Facebook, naturally I was suspicious. The alert warns about neighborhood residents finding unexploded bottle bombs in their yards made from plastic soda bottles, aluminum foil, and Drano (or other brand of household drain or toilet cleaner). They were first reported back in 2010. THE THREAT IS REAL. 
     Homemade "bottle bombs" have been around for more than two decades and are known by a variety of different names, including "acid bombs," "Drano bombs," "works bombs," "pressure bombs" and "MacGyver bombs." Any number of YouTube videos demonstrate how to construct and detonate them. 
     Because they're made with common household ingredients they're a favorite of teenage pranksters, but police warn that the devices are unpredictable and dangerous. 
     Bomb makers need to be aware that if caught they can be charged with a felony. Penalties can be quite severe if injuries or property damage result.
     The bomb is made by simply filling a soda bottle with Drano with a little water and aluminum foil. The chemical reaction makes a volatile build up of gases and when disturbed detonates the bottle with a great amount of force.
     When the bomb explodes it spews out an extremely hot and caustic liquid that can cause serious chemical burns, eye irritation or blindness, limb and facial injuries and hearing damage. The amount of force generated by the explosion is enough to severe fingers and the toxic fumes can be harmful. 
     If you find a plastic bottle filled with liquid lying around, call 911 and let the police bomb squad handle it.