Plan to Be Safe This July 4th Holiday

DEM Blogger

June 29, 2021

There’s a lot going on this holiday week in Lexington. Neighborhood pools are open. Playgrounds and picnic areas are full. The long weekend means many people will travel for a short getaway or vacation.

It’s important that you celebrate safely. Here are some general safety tips for the holiday.

It’s going to be warm and steamy throughout the weekend. If you’re celebrating outdoors with a picnic or other activities, make sure you stay hydrated and recognize the symptoms of a heat-related illness.

That goes for your pets as well. The heat takes a toll on just about any pet, so make sure they have plenty of water and a shady place to rest if they’re outdoors. Here’s more on how to make sure your pets stay safe during the hot, steamy summertime.

Fireworks are a part of Independence Day celebrations. There are many public fireworks displays in the area – all organized by trained professionals and inspected for safety by local fire departments. The best advice from public safety officials about fireworks is DON’T.  Most fireworks, rockets and other explosives are illegal in Lexington. But if you do opt for your own fireworks display, make sure you make safety your first and only priority.

IMPORTANT: Pets and fireworks don’t mix. Keep pets safe during the Independence Day celebrations.

If you’re out on the lake or river for the holiday, make sure your boat or vessel has the proper safety equipment and is ship-shape. Here’s a checklist for boating safety that includes approved life vests for all aboard and a no-alcohol policy for boat drivers.

Finally, your July 4th activities may involve a backyard pool, public pool, lake, river or ocean. Regardless of where you are, make water safety a priority. Here’s why drowning in a tv show or movie isn’t real – an actual drowning happens quietly and before you know it.