July 4th: Travel, Music, Fireworks, Fun, Food and SAFETY

The 250th birthday of our nation this weekend can be inspiring, fun and dangerous. The inspiration comes from 250 years of the grand experiment in freedom, the fun from the celebration and the danger from travel, fireworks and not taking adaquate safety precautions.

Safety 1st on the 4th

The Independence Day holiday is annually considered a dangerous time primarily due to high rates of traffic fatalities, alcohol-impaired driving, improper operation of boats on our waterways and fireworks-related injuries.

The statistics tell the tale:

• According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, around 38% of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes over the holiday were legally drunk.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in emergency rooms annually.
• The National Safety Council reports the holiday sees a spike in drowning accidents and boating fatalities.
• The noise and unpredictability of fireworks cause immense stress for animals. Statistically, more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

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The State is Working to Keep Your Holiday Safe

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) began its annual "100 Days of Summer Safety" campaign on Memorial Day, running until Labor Day. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King cautions, if you are one of the record 71 million motorists traveling more than 50 miles from home over the long holiday weekend, you need to prepare your vehicle before leaving and practice courteous and safe driving while on the road and obey boating safety laws as well.

"Our theme this year is 'Safe Roads, Safe Water and Safe 4th', practicing that will increase your odds of returning home safely," Trooper King emphasized in a Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa interview. "We're going to be deploying all available resources from Highway Patrol, Marine Police and special agents from our SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) Unit. We're trying our best to present a presence that prevents or deters motorists and boaters from violating safety laws with hopes that alone will prevent traffic crashes and boating accidents that will inturn save lives."

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is suspending all roadwork in order to give their employees offtime and to reduce construction zone hazards. King reminds drivers while the workers may not be there, the work zone still is, including equipment. "So when you see the signage and the orange barrells you still need to slow down and obey the speed laws for your safety."

Sgt. King emphasizes the law enforcement presence is not an attempt to hassel but a sincere effort to prevent improper operation of vehicles and boats from having the holiday turn tragic.

Roads are Not the Only Place to Practice Holiday Safety

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Service joings ALEA in advising 4th celebrations to be a safe celebration. Officials strongly advise residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy authorized public displays. With Alabama’s summer firework season running from June 20 to July 10, fire officials emphasize that proper precautions are critical for preventing severe injuries and property damage.

Firefighters advise:

• Abide by Local Laws: Fireworks are illegal within the Tuscaloosa and Northport city limits. In areas where they are permitted, it is prohibited by state law to set them off within 600 feet of any church, school, hospital, or building. 
• No Celebratory Gunfire: Firing weapons into the air is strictly prohibited. It is illegal, creates severe safety risks, and can lead to serious criminal charges. 
• Supervise All Children: Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at extremely high temperatures. 
• Never Relight Duds: If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to relight it. Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it thoroughly in water before disposal. 
• Proper Extinguishing: Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose on hand before lighting fireworks. Douse all used fireworks with water to prevent trash or grass fires.
• Maintain Distance and Focus: Never hold fireworks in your hand or point them at others. Do not consume alcohol or other impairing substances while handling fireworks of any kind.
• Protect Pets: Loud noises can terrify animals. Keep your dogs and cats indoors in a quiet, secure room to prevent them from running off or getting injured.

Grilling out is a 4th of July staple. But safety experts says thousands of emergency room visits occur across the country from accidents at the grill. They offer this advice:

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a grill.
• When cooking food, use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Grill only outdoors! If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as garages or tents, barbecue grills pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately.
• Always supervise children around outdoor grills.

Local Celebration Options

• Friday, Vance will host 'America 250' beginning at 6:00pm at vance Ballpark. The fun include food, ice cream, petting zoo, crafts, an outdoor movie and a dedicated veterans recognition ceremony.
• Northport will hold a new Independence Day event, the 4th on Main Celebration, 4-10 p.m. July 4 in its downtown area, where Fifth Street and Main Avenue intersect. There will be a parade, live music, food, a Veterans ceremony and other family friendly activities.
• Just across the river, Tuscaloosa's Mercedes Amphitheater is hosting the annual 'Celebration on the River' from 6:00pm-9:00pm. It will feature fireworks, a FREE kid’s zone, live music by the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and other family friendly patriotic fun.
• In Coaling, at the Coaling Ballpark there will be community fireworks and festival activities beginng at 5:00pm of the 4th. There will be fun, kids entertainment and music. The fireworks are at 10:00pm.

Make It Home Safely

Once the fun is over and its time to head home, Sgt. King has some final advice. "Make sure you are not driving home fatigued and sleepy. Get adaquate rest, make sure you are hydrated and if you are travelling long distances, make sure you have a buddy system to swap drivers or at least stop every hour or so to stretch you legs to get circulation flowing and wake up."

The best way to have a "Happy 4th of July" is to be alive and healthy on the 5th.