Residents Reminded To Practice Safety On 4th Of July

PASCO COUNTY, FL — It's a great time to celebrate America's freedoms. But the Fourth of July fun can quickly fade due to fireworks and grilling injuries.

Fireworks safety:

Although sparklers and fountains remain legal, they can be dangerous, reaching temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Officials urge extreme caution and advise residents to follow these safety recommendations:

• Read and understand all product warnings.
• Never place any body part directly over a device when lighting the fuse.
• Use sparklers only as intended outdoors.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• After using these devices, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding.

Make safe outdoor cooking a priority:

• Make sure that all grills are placed at least 10 feet away from any structures.
• Avoid grilling near deck railings, awnings, overhanging branches and other flammable objects.
• Never grill on a condo or apartment balcony.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill when it is hot.
• Always stay with the grill while you're cooking.
• Keep the grill clean so leftover grease and fat will not catch on fire.
• Turn off propane when done grilling.

Permanent and portable fire pits can bring fire dangers if not used properly. Prevent fire or burn injury with these simple steps:

• Have a water supply nearby.
• Make sure the fire pit is at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn unless contained in an approved manner.
• Ensure that children and pets are kept a safe distance away.
• Never leave fires unattended.
• Use a metal screen over fire pits to keep sparks from floating out.
• Make sure all fires are completely extinguished after use.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.
• Fire pits, open containers, etc. shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high.

Fireworks and veterans:

Fireworks displays may excite many people celebrating the holiday, but veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) might have different reactions. Loud noises and flashes of color may scare or cause anxiety for those who have served in combat. Families with veterans may want to take precautions over the holiday to minimize the reactions to fireworks.

• Avoid going to fireworks shows to minimize negative reactions.
• Consider using fireworks like sparklers that do not make very loud noises.
• If discharging fireworks at home, light fireworks during times that other displays may take place, not too early in the day or too late at night.
• If veterans live nearby, advise them that fireworks will be discharged, or change locations of firework displays.
• Keep noise-canceling headphones on hand to drown out loud pops and explosions.
• Stay close to exits at public places to make leaving easier if the noise become too much.

Pet safety:

Animal Services reminds pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets during firework displays as these can lead to animals running loose onto roadways, getting lost or ending up in shelters. Don't take pets to fireworks events. Pets at these events are at higher risk for anxiety, overheating and escaping.

Other safety tips include:

• Make sure pets are microchipped, licenses are current and tags are secured to pets' collars.
• Keep pets indoors in a cool, comfortable place with some minor noise distraction such as a radio or television.
• Do not take pets to fireworks events.
• When leaving town, make sure to leave pets with someone who will be particularly cautious and responsible during Fourth of July celebrations.