Police and Fire departments give pointers for safe Independence Day
Special to The Chronicle
The Winston-Salem Police and Fire departments are urging all citizens to have a happy and safe Independence Day by following a few simple safety tips.
The Police department reminds Independence Day celebrants to consume alcohol responsibly, and to use a designated driver if they consume alcohol away from their home. Citizens are also reminded that it is illegal to discharge firearms in the city.
Fireworks that are legal in North Carolina include poppers, sparklers, fountains and novelty items that don’t explode, spin, leave the ground or fly through the air. Examples include snake and glow worms, smoke devices, wire sparklers and noisemakers like string poppers. Firecrackers are prohibited, as are any fireworks that shoot into the sky or spin rapidly.
The Fire Department urges citizens to be safe when grilling and handling fireworks. Follow these guidelines:
Grilling
*Never set up a grill under or near a flammable structure, such as a porch overhang, a deck rail or the side of a house. Keep flammable liquids and materials away from the grill.
*Use only approved lighter fluid for charcoal and follow the directions. Never squirt lighter fluid on hot coals.
*Never leave food unattended on the grill.
*Make sure the grill is turned off when you are finished. If using charcoal make sure the coals are completely out before disposing of the ashes.
Fireworks
Each year fireworks cause at least four deaths and an estimated 9,400 injuries in the United States, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, National Council on Firework Safety. The majority of injuries involve smaller devices, such as sparklers and fountains.
Follow these safety tips:
*Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
*Never light fireworks indoors, near a structure, on dry grass, or near flammable materials.
*Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
*Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times. Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees or more.
*Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks. Use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
*Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
*Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
For more fire-safety tips for holidays, go to NFPA.org/education.
