Officials urge caution during July 4 festivities

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on July 1, 2016

Officials are urging area residents to make sure their holidays fireworks are legal and safe.

With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, state and local officials want to remind resident to stay safe and follow state law when enjoying fireworks displays as a part of their celebrations.

“Every year, what should be a time to honor America with family and friends turns tragic somewhere,” State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay said in a state press release. “Following common-sense safety guidelines can prevent these tragedies and help you create lasting happy memories.”

Because Independence Day is a heavily traveled holiday, state police said they would be using roving DUI patrols and special speed enforcement details from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4.

“Though Independence Day is a time for celebration, we urge Pennsylvanians to plan ahead and designate a sober driver throughout the holiday weekend,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said in a state police press release.

According to PennDOT data, last year there were 330 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 11 fatalities from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, July 5. This marked an increase from 2014, when 326 crashes and 11 deaths occurred.

“We urge motorists to buckle up and use caution when traveling over the holiday,” State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker said in the release. “Troopers will be on the lookout for traffic violations and impaired drivers, so please obey the speed limit and don’t get behind the wheel impaired."

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use only small “novelty” fireworks, such as sparklers and trick noisemakers. Retail establishments with valid permits can sell these fireworks, the release said.

“With the upcoming holiday weekend, families and friends will come together for cookouts, picnics or even weekend trips,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in the release. “As a part of these festivities, there may be fireworks on display. If you are planning to use fireworks as a part of your events, either this weekend or for future activities, please be sure to purchase those fireworks from licensed dealers within the commonwealth.”

All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display, like those seen at organized celebrations and sporting events, are prohibited for use by consumers.

Solobay shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

Fireworks should only be used outdoors, away from structures, automobiles, etc.
Always have water handy.
Use fireworks only as intended. Read and follow all directions provided by the manufacturer.
Never attempt to relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.
Use common sense: Anyone igniting fireworks should wear safety glasses, and spectators should stay a safe distance away.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.
Always remain standing and at least six feet from others while using sparklers.
Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.
Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

Officials added that there are a number of safe, fun ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones without fireworks, such as using glow sticks; red, white and blue bubbles; or silly string.