Safety a top priority on July 4 holiday

By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Food, fun and fireworks – they're all a part of the Fourth of July.
But amidst all the excitement, make sure to play it safe. A mishap with a firework can cause serious harm.
"Detonating these devices is best left to the professionals, because even fireworks that seem innocent can cause serious injury," said Carol Mysinger, director of the Injury Prevention Division of the Alabama Department of Public Health. "For example, sparklers, that are often used by young children, burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit."
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these safety tips:
Safety doesn't end with fireworks. The Fourth of July is expected to be one of the busiest boating periods of the year, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation's Marine Police Division.
Lt. Erica Shipman of the Marine Police Division reminds people using the waterways and viewing fireworks from their boats to make certain they have all the following safety equipment on board before they depart:
"The Fourth of July weekend will be one of the busiest weekends of the year," Shipman said. "The Marine Police will be out in force, especially in high traffic areas and at fireworks displays."