Police share travel, firework safety tips ahead of Fourth of July holiday

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — From fireworks to barbecues, many are getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

The Fairfax County Police Department ( FCPD ) along with several other agencies across the state are encouraging residents to be safe while celebrating with friends and loved ones.

For those hitting the roads, FCPD said travelers should plan ahead, obey traffic laws, designate a sober driver and stay vigilant.

When leaving town police said to do the following:

• Make sure you take some extra time to lock all your doors and windows and set your alarm system before leaving your home.
• For an extra security step, place a rod or dowel in the track of sliding doors to prevent them from being forced open.
• Keep valuables out of sight from windows and consider storing your items in a safe.
• Install motion-activated lighting and security cameras around the exterior of your home, especially near entry points. Check the batteries and ensure they are in working order before you leave.
• Let a trusted neighbor know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, pick up any deliveries and report any suspicious activities.
• Trim trees and bushes near windows to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.
• Do not advertise your absence on social media. Wait until you come back from vacation to post about your trip, even among trusted friends.

On the other hand, when celebrating at home, police shared to handle permissible fireworks with caution. All fireworks should be in an open area and away from people, children, buildings, pets and flammable materials.

In the case of an emergency, residents should have an first aid kit ready.

If you plan to be celebrating the holiday on the water, everyone onboard should wear a life jacket, have a plan for an emergency and be aware of weather conditions and water currents .

FCPD said the DWI Squad and Marine Patrol Unit and the will be actively patrolling all week to ensure the safety of the road and waterways.

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