Celebrating Safely

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Melanie Rohauer
  • 913th Airlift Group
Fourth of July fun is fast approaching. Make sure you enjoy the weekend by reading our safety tips.

Almost 44 million Americans will travel between Friday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 4. It's estimated that 37.5 million of those people will drive during the Independence Day holiday weekend-a 2.9 percent increase over 2016. Before you hit the road, make sure you're well rested, your vehicle is road ready and you consider traffic weather and construction when planning your route. Be safe, vigilant and drive defensively.

Fireworks safety is a major concern. Every year, thousands of people show up in emergency rooms around the 4th of July with firework-related injuries. If you buy fireworks, please familiarize yourself with basic firework safety tips, then share these tips with everyone who will be lighting fireworks with you.

* Know which fireworks are legal in your area
* Ensure responsible adult should supervision
* Don't use alcohol while lighting fireworks
* Light one firework at a time
* Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area
* Never re-light a "dud" firework
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket
* Don't point fireworks at humans or animals
* Ensure there are no burn bans in your county

https://www.ark.org/forestry_fire_info/index.php?do:showBurnBans