Whatever people have planned, Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services Department wants them to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday and offers steps to be safe.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals. Remember to stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. In accordance with Pine Bluff City Ordinance 5807, it is unlawful to discharge fireworks inside the city limits, according to a news release.
Someone setting off fireworks at home should follow these safety steps:
Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Leave any area immediately where amateurs are using fireworks.
Every year, people are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
Use long-handled tools made especially for cooking on the grill.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
WATER SAFETY
Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
Swim sober, and always swim with a buddy.
Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Protect the neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while on the water. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants, and leave animals alone.
SUN PROTECTION
Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply sunscreen often.
Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. Protect the feet — the sand can burn them, and glass and other sharp objects can cut them.
During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke — hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing.
If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke:
Call 911 and move the person to a cooler place.
Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet clothing or towels to the skin (or misting it with water) and fanning the person.
Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
Reminder: Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will also provide and install smoke detectors, perform free home surveys and provide numbers for home addresses to citizens who reside in Pine Bluff. Call (870) 730-2048 and request these services.