Safety on the Fourth of July
It’s that time of the year again! Time to hit the lake, fire up the barbeque, and break out the fireworks. Freedom is in the air and the 4th of July festivities are right around the corner. And for those of us fortunate enough to live in Middle Tennessee, we have the best celebration in the country.
As the excitement surrounding this summer holiday sets in, we still need to remember to be mindful of our safety on the Fourth of July. If you have celebrated the 4th downtown, you are no stranger to seeing revelers get carried away with the excitement surrounding the festivities. As a result, safety can become an issue. Don’t let this be you!
Listed below are some of the popular activities that many partake in during the 4th of July celebration. Included are certain safety measures that we should all keep in mind throughout the holiday. By following these few simple tips, we can stay safe, avoid trouble, and focus on relaxing and enjoying the time we have with family and friends all while being thankful for the RED, WHITE, & BLUE.
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CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL:
It comes as no surprise that during the 4th of July weekend, many individuals consume larger amounts of alcohol than usual. With the barbeques, lake outings, and gathering of friends and family comes the iced down coolers. Certain safety tips should be kept in mind at all times.
1.) It is important to be aware of your limit as well as the limit of those in your party.
2.) Do not drink and drive or drink and boat, and do not ride with someone who has been drinking.
3.) Should you begin to drink, plan ahead to stay in one location or seek out a designated driver. -
LIGHTING OF FIREWORKS:
Fireworks are a staple of the 4th of July. Let’s be honest: Here in the South, we love to shoot off as many fireworks as possible. It goes without saying that certain risks are inherent with the handling of fireworks. That being said, we need to practice extreme caution when using them.
1.) Allow individuals who have not been drinking to be in charge of the handling and lighting of all fireworks.
2.) Keep yourself and others a safe distance away from the lighting area.
3.) Read the warning and caution labels prior to setting the fireworks off, remember that they are there for a reason! -
PARTICIPATING IN LARGE GATHERINGS:
Large venues often serve as 4th of July hot spots for parties and holiday festivities. When attending such events, it is important to remember how to carry yourself in order to avoid trouble, either with others or the law.
1.) Always be responsible. Should you begin drinking at these gatherings, be sure to never drink and drive.
2.) Avoid confrontation with those around you. Should an issue arise, make the smart decision of walking away or seeking out a police officer to resolve the situation.
3.) In regards to police officers, be polite and cordial at all times.
Keeping these tips in mind, enjoy your 4th of July weekend. Have fun, be smart, and have a great time with your friends and family — Just do so safely! Most importantly….. God Bless the U.S.A.** **