It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations – fireworks, a backyard barbecue, maybe a trip to the water. Whatever people have planned, Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services wants them to enjoy their holiday and has steps they can follow to be safe.
FIREWORKS SAFETY: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public fireworks display put on by professionals. Remember to stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. (Special Notice) in accordance with Pine Bluff City Ordinance 5807 it is unlawful to discharge fireworks inside the city limits of Pine Bluff. If someone is setting fireworks off at home, they should follow these safety steps:
• 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 fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
GRILLING SAFETY: Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
If you follow this simple 4th of July safety tips, your entire family will be sure to have a safe and memorable holiday. Reminder; Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will provide and install smoke detectors, perform free home surveys and provide numbers for home addresses to citizens who reside in Pine Bluff by calling 870-730-2048 and request these services.
