Officials urge firework safety for 4th of July - The Southeast Sun: News

default avatar
Welcome to the site! Login or Signup below.
|
Not you?||
Logout|My Dashboard

Officials urge firework safety for 4th of July

Print
Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size

Posted: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 8:00 am

With summer cookouts, outdoor activities and Fourth of July only days a way, Daleville city officials are reminding residents to follow city ordinances for a safe and fun holiday.  

"In celebration of the United States’ 237th birthday, many want to enhance their festivities by discharging fireworks, however, within the city of Daleville shooting off fireworks is illegal," Daleville Department of Public Safety Chief Harvey Mathis said. " Daleville Public Safety officers will be out during the holiday reminding people of the ordinance on fireworks."

For those using legal fireworks, Mathis urges caution with burns and eye injuries. 

"We stress caution even with the children’s favorite, sparklers," Mathis said. "The temperature of sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature hot enough to melt gold, and a simple mishandling could result in a serious burn. In addition, there is the danger of fires. Nationally, two out of every five fires started on the Fourth of July are caused by fireworks."

The American Red Cross suggests those who will be lighting fireworks to wear eye protection and to keep a water bucket or fire extinguisher close by as an extra precaution. The organization also recommends storing fireworks in a cool, dry place and to follow the instructions on the label. 

Officials urge residents to never attempt to relight a firework that fails to light, to light only one firework at a time and to dispose of all fireworks properly.

As for those planning to grill, the American Red Cross urges the chefs to stay close by and to supervise when the grill is in use. It is also suggested to grill outdoors and in the open and away from anything that can catch on fire.

The safety of everyone is the Daleville Department of Public Safety number one priority, Mathis said. 

"We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July," he said. "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display put on by professionals."

More about

More about

More about

  • Discuss

Rules of Conduct

  • 1 Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
  • 2 Don't Threaten or Abuse. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. AND PLEASE TURN OFF CAPS LOCK.
  • 3 Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
  • 4 Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
  • 5 Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
  • 6 Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.

Welcome to the discussion.