Have A Safe 4th of July!

With the July 4^th Holiday approaching, I ask that all Lee County join me in making this Fourth of July holiday happy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year.

Fireworks that are legal in this state include poppers, sparklers, fountains and novelty items that don’t explode, spin, leave the ground or fly through the air. Legal fireworks consists of snake and glow worms, smoke devices, noisemakers like snappers and string poppers and wire sparklers.

What fireworks are illegal in North Carolina?
The following are illegal to possess in North Carolina: firecrackers, fireworks that spin on the ground, roman candles, bottle rockets, and any aerial fireworks. Essentially, any firework that leaves the ground is not legal in North Carolina.

You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

If you’re heading to the pool, lake or coast, this weekend, use caution.  Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.  Make it a point to take a Red Cross or other swimming courses this summer. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact our local Red Cross chapter, the YMCA or O.T.Sloan Pool.

     At a swimming pool, take the following precautions:

• If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid.
• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
• Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use.
• Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool. The suction created by the pool’s circulating pumps can be very dangerous unless it is reduced by covers.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
• To reduce the risk of eye, ear, nose or throat infection from contaminated water, swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained. The water should appear crystal clear, be continuously circulated and be maintained at a level that allows free overflow into the gutter or skimmer. There should not be a strong odor of ammonia or chlorine.

Following these precautions will help the children and citizens of Lee County stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.