Fourth of July Safety

With the July 4th holiday here, I am asking 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.  Most of these injuries include major hand and eye injuries and facial burns!

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.  Don't become distracted and forget about little ones.

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