Community Corner

5 Things July 4: Fireworks, Safety Tips and More

Your Patch Facts for the day.

1. It’s the 4th of July and the weather should be clear long enough for those fireworks displays. During the day there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 a.m. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind will be 6 to 9 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Otherwise it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind will be around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

2. There are several 4th of July celebrations going on the area this evening. For more information on Independence Day festivities, click . 

3. Fireworks are a traditional part of Independence Day celebrations, but they can also be dangerous. If you experience an eye injury during a fireworks accident, seek immediate medical help. To prevent eye injuries, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers these tips:

  • Never let children play with fireworks of any type.
  • View fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
  • Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
  • Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.
  • If you find unexploded fireworks, do not touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police departments.

4. The 4th of July is also a big pool and beach day. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission gives these tips for safe swimming:

Staying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool

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  • Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your children closely around all bodies of water
  • Teach children basic water safety tips
  • Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
  • Have a telephone close by when you or your family are using a pool or spa
  • If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
  • Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors
Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills
  • Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
  • Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
  • Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency
Having the Appropriate Equipment for Your Pool or Spa
  • Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools
  • Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa
  • If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm
  • Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
  • Ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal standards, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know
  • Have lifesaving equipment such as life rings, floats or a reaching pole available and easily accessible
5.  While we all enjoy our fireworks and barbecues, stop for a moment and honor men and women of the military by helping to purchase a new computer or repair an old one, and receive a reward in appreciation. Visit their fundraising project at the FundaGeek website.


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