Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

With droughts and wildfires all over the place, we are urging everyone to be extra careful with their fireworks, sparklers, etc. Did you know that more fires are reported on that day than on any other day of the year in the United States?

Here are a few safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

Use fireworks outdoors only.

Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them. And check to see if they have been recently banned because of drought.

Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

USCITY.NET wishes everyone a very happy and SAFE Fourth of July!