Safety on the 4th of July

As the Fourth of July approaches, it's a good time to review some tips about safely using fireworks--that is, if you want to use them yourself.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these tips for fireworks and sparklers:

• Always have water ready when setting off fireworks.
• Use fireworks outdoors only and make sure to read the warning labels.
• Don't set off fireworks in dry grassy areas. Dampen the ground with some water first.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Don't try to re-light a firework that appears to be a dud. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• In fact, soak all spent fireworks in water before putting them in the trash.
• Don't hold a child and sparklers at the same time.
• Don't hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Also soak extinguished sparklers in water before putting them in the trash.
• Then keep that trash away from homes and buildings.

If you'd rather let someone else set off the fireworks, head over to Keswick Park for an including carnival games, watermelon seed spitting contests, cornhole competitions, a bike parade, clowns, live music and food before the big show gets underway at about 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Make sure to your pictures and videos!

Since it's been so hot lately, make sure to keep cool: drink lots of water, get in the shade or into an air conditioned space if needed and keep an eye on one another, especially kids and seniors, in order to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Also, if you drink a little too much, AAA offers a free service to get you home safely. Tow to Go is available for AAA members and nonmembers alike. Just call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and an operator will assist you. Then, a tow truck will take you and your car back to your house. The service is available from July 4-7 and around other big days too, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and even Super Bowl Sunday.

Have a fun, safe Fourth of July!