Every year, Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day.  As the holiday approaches, experts with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, Unit are encouraging Texans to take precautions with firework safety.

‘Fundamental preventative measures’

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is simply leaving it to the professionals, said Payton Morris, AgriLife Extension DAR agent, Glen Rose, serving the South Central Texas region.

“In the case that fireworks are allowed in your location, there are fundamental preventative measures to take to ensure that the fun does not turn into fire,” Morris said.

The following are suggested safety tips:

●   Read and follow all instructions on firework labels.

●   Set fireworks off in open places away from dry and tall grass, vehicles, and buildings. Keep first aid kits, water hoses and fire extinguishers on hand and nearby.

●   Never allow young children around fireworks or sparklers. Ensure that older children are always supervised. Light fireworks away from close contact with people and or flammable objects.

●   Be mindful of your surroundings. For people in rural areas, consider making firebreaks, a gap in vegetation to slow down the progression of a wildfire or fire outbreak. In suburban areas, stay observant of the distance between houses and the projected velocity of fireworks.

●   Prepare animals, such as pets and or livestock, because they are very susceptible to loud noises.

Consult a veterinarian

Richard Griffin, AgriLife Extension DAR agent, Carrizo Springs, serving the north region of South Texas, said contacting veterinarians prior to firework events is advisable to ensure protective behavioral health.

“The vet could even prescribe sedative pills to ‘keep animals from the flight or fright’ response,” Griffin said. “If the local veterinarian is unavailable, days before the holiday, consider keeping your pet in the laundry room or near a television to drown out loud noise.”

Disposing and cleaning of fireworks after their use is equally as important to safety, he said. It is also important not to leave fireworks out overnight, as old flames could spark.

“Never re-light an already used firework.” Griffin said. “Instead, allow everything to cool down or douse it in water. Remove all significant pieces and throw away anything recyclable.”

In all, DAR agents say the best practice is to assess your situation and take the necessary precautions to avoid danger this Fourth of July.

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Drive Sober This Independence Day, and Every Day

This Independence Day, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC, (Blood Alcohol Content) program, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) want to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

No matter how people choose to celebrate Independence Day, do it safely and always have a sober ride. Anyone under the influence of alcohol that chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle not only puts everyone on the road in danger, but also themself.

Fourth of July festivities often start early in the day and go into the evening or late at night, causing more cars to be on the roads at night. Texas, in 2022, had 42 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July Fourth holiday period. Forty percent (17) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes and 23 people were seriously injured. Many of the drivers arrested for drunk driving on the Fourth of July have likely been drinking alcohol throughout the day at various planned gatherings.

“We want our community to have a happy and safe Independence Day, one that they’ll remember for years to come, for all the right reasons,” said AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent Courtney Parrott, Brown County. “We’ve partnered with NHTSA and TxDOT to help remind drivers that even one drink before driving is when impairment begins. Under no circumstance is it ever OK to drink and drive. This behavior is illegal, it’s deadly, and it’s selfish. Do everyone in your community a favor: If you’ll be drinking at a Fourth of July party, or for any occasion, plan ahead for a sober ride.”

Watch UR BAC’s goal is for everyone to enjoy red, white, and blue in their flags, fireworks, and family gatherings — not in their rear-view mirror. The only way to prevent this is to never drink and drive.

Celebrate with a Plan

This Fourth of July, the Watch UR BAC program, NHTSA, and TXDOT urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If planning on drinking, plan how to safely travel without driving.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Educator Courtney Parrott, Brown County, reminds drivers to follow these tips for a safe night on the roads:

• Remember: It is never OK to drink and drive — even if after only one alcoholic beverage. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• Suspect a motorist on the road is driving drunk or intoxicated? Contact local law enforcement immediately.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.