Pitt County Government is advising residents to enjoy Independence Day fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals and to avoid using fireworks at home.
The county’s public information office issued an advisory that said an estimated 7,400 firework-related injuries were treated last year in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the holiday period. It issued the following advice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered by many to be the ideal “safe” device for the young, burn at very high temperatures and should be not be handled by young children.Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay with the fireworks.Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers. Learn more at www.cpsc.gov/fireworks.
Extreme heat
Extreme heat is expected to continue through the holiday with temperatures expected to hit 94 on Thursday and 97 on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The county said extreme heat is two or more days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. Heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters, the county said. It offered the following safety advice.
Try to keep your home cool. Cover windows with drapes or shades.Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.Find places with air conditioning.If you’re outside, find shade.Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees.Avoid strenuous activities.
For more information about extreme heat safety, call Emergency Management at 902-3950 or visit www.ready.gov/heat.
Pet safety
The July 4 holiday can be traumatic for pets frightened by the sights and sounds that are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations. Dr. Erin Katribe, medical director at Best Friends Animal Society, suggests being proactive by following the four tips below:
Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely to occur and secure them in a quiet room. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and surround them with their favorite toys and treats. It can help to play calming music or turn on the television.Always keep pets away from lit fireworks. Some pets will chase after the bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded.Be sure to keep unlit fireworks out of reach, as fireworks contain substances that are toxic if ingested.Ensure your pets are wearing identification tags with your current contact information. Also, make sure their microchip information is up-to-date.
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