DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – July 4th is a time of celebration with fireworks, but if you aren’t careful, you could wind up injured.
As we prepare to light up the sky with patriotism this Independence Day, there are things to keep in mind as you set off fireworks so that you have fun while staying safe.
John Smith, the manager at Holiday Fireworks shares these tips:
“Follow the instructions. Keep them away from small kids. Make sure it’s always an adult lighting them. That’s always our biggest thing that we try to preach,” Smith said.
He adds that keeping a water hose handy just in case is also a good idea.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9,700 people went to the emergency room for fireworks injuries, and 8 people died from fireworks in 2023.
In the midst of the celebrations —there are some ways to help keep your pets safe too.
“More dogs go missing on 4th of July than any other day of the year by far,” Tammy Curtiss with the Wiregrass Humane Society said.
Here’s what Curtiss recommends:
“Bring them inside if there’s any way you can. Put your pets during the fireworks in your house where they are secure.” Curtiss said.
She also says it’s important to have some type of identification on your dog.
The bottom line: Smith and Curtiss want a great holiday for all.
“It’s for your safety. Some of this stuff is pretty powerful stuff. It makes a great show, but also at the same time it’s pretty powerful and it can hurt you,” Smith said.
“Just keep your dog safe. You don’t want July 5th to be a really sad day because you can’t find your dog,” Curtiss said.
A couple of other tips are to dispose of fireworks by watering them down before picking up the debris.
There are also medications to help pets deal with fireworks anxiety.
Subscribe to our News 4 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning. Get instant notifications on top stories from News 4 by downloading our mobile apps.
Copyright 2024 WTVY. All rights reserved.
