By Dawn Manchester
Almost everyone loves celebrating on the 4th of July. Whether you are camping, attending a party, or staying home and cooking some burgers on the grill, it is never a bad idea to put safety first.
If you are camping this weekend, remember to leave the fireworks at home or choose a safe place with access to water and wet it down before you start setting them off. Despite having a wet spring, there are lots of dry natural fuels in the woods that could easily catch on fire. Fireworks and even campfires can be dangerous so use caution around them.
To avoid wildfires, move nearby brush away from a fire pit or ring before starting a campfire. When it’s time for bed, make sure campfires are “dead out” before leaving the area. It’s also important to remember that cigarettes are one of the main causes of forest fires. Only smoke in cleared areas, and put out your cigarettes out in a safe location.
If you’re planning on drinking this fourth of July, be aware of your limits. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let yourself be pressured into drinking more than you want to. It is also important to keep an eye on your drink during family gatherings. Children are naturally curious and could take sips when you’re not watching.
Remember that fireworks are explosives and although they are fun to watch, they are very dangerous and should never be deployed by children or anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A sober adult should always be present during firework detonation.
Fireworks packaged in brown paper are typically large fireworks made for display shows and should only be purchased by and detonated by professionals.