Safety first on holiday weekend

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Updated 10:56 AM Thursday, July 2, 2009

Today is July 1 and the annual celebration of our nation’s Independence Day will get started in a couple of days. It’s a wonderful time of year — when our national patriotism takes the form of fireworks, parades, picnics and parties. All that frivolity can make it a memorable weekend, but it also can have serious consequences if we don’t exercise a little restraint and caution.

The foremost precaution is a familiar one: Please don’t drink and drive. The Ohio State Highway Patrol warns that the Fourth of July weekend is “traditionally a dangerous holiday period on Ohio roads, particularly for impaired driving crashes.”

Col. Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the patrol, notes that nearly half of the 15 fatalities on Ohio roads during last year’s Fourth of July observance were alcohol-related. Thus, state troopers will be “out in full force this weekend,” he warns. Do the smart thing and keep our streets safe by designating a non-drinking driver or calling a cab.

If you spot a dangerous driver, you can contract the patrol at 1-877-7-PATROL, or at 1-800-GRAB DUI for impaired drivers.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Commerce is warning about the dangers of amateur backyard fireworks, and recommending that attending one of the area’s several public fireworks displays — done by professionals — is the safest way to enjoy pyrotechnics.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 9,800 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2007. That, of course, doesn’t count the number of people who didn’t seek treatment for their burns and other minor injuries.

And in dry, hot weather, carelessly lit fireworks can also cause accidental fires to structures and in fields.

As staff writer Danielle Wilson reported last weekend, the state is also reminding revelers that certain fireworks — including firecrackers and bottle rockets — are not legal in Ohio. Offenders could face stiff fines or even jail time.

And don’t forget that fireworks can also be agonizing for our four-legged friends.

Alicia M. Borges, communications director for the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, reminds us that our pets’ ears are “much more sensitive than our own. ... A terrified animal may try to run away, perhaps even out into traffic.”

She advises against taking your pets to fireworks displays where “crowds, loud noises and repeated flashes of light can be very traumatic for an animal” and suggests keeping pets inside with a television or radio playing. “If your pet gets distressed by loud noises, such as thunder, you may want to consult your veterinarian for additional ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety your pet may experience during these holiday celebrations,” she said.

We don’t offer these suggestions in order to throw a wet blanket over the upcoming celebrations, but just as reminders that we should stay safe and be considerate of others — including Fido — while we celebrate this most American of holidays.

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The fireworks that are safe are legal. And, people shooting things straight up into the air in residential areas is not safe. Neither is disregarding the effects of other forces such as wind. Too many people have no regard for the power of such fireworks.

Jim
9:21 AM, 7/2/2009

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Notice I said if people are using the fireworks safely, they're doing nothing wrong. If the person shooting off the fireworks is intoxicated, firing them into buildings, etc, then that is unsafe. But you can't sit here and tell me that firing fireworks straight into the air in an open space is dangerous. Besides, not all fireworks are bottle rockets or things which fly high into the air. There are plenty of safe fireworks and responsible people using them.

Uncle Andy
5:30 AM, 7/2/2009

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What people like Uncle Andy seem to be oblivious to is that explosions are rapid combustion. Explosives cause fires, injure people, and do other damage. To advocate that explosives be set off in areas where children play and houses are built close together is absurd. There is a reason that ILLEGAL fireworks are ILLEGAL. And, to say that people who use ILLEGAL fireworks are not doing anything wrong is an incredibly stupid statement. The police need to take action before someone is killed.

Jim
4:52 PM, 7/1/2009

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Uncle Andy you are one piece of work. I feel sorry for you.

wow
3:42 PM, 7/1/2009

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I'm not a "grouchy fossil" by far, just a responsible homeowner with valid issues with the morons who like to set off fireworks in neighborhoods, seemingly without a care in the world as to those around them. Last year, four houses down from us, someone had a couple fireworks -the illegal kind, mind you, go awry and end up in another neighbor's tree. Luckily it wasn't a house that was hit.
People, if you're going to have fireworks, pick a safe place away from all structures, be extra safe!

Sam
1:15 PM, 7/1/2009

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