News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Wednesday, people are seen looking for fireworks at the fireworks tent in the Walmart parking lot of Alpena. Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Alpena Fire Department urge community members to celebrate with fireworks cautiously.

ALPENA — Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Alpena Fire Department remind community members to be mindful when celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks.

Andy Marceau, Alpena Fire Department community risk reduction officer, explained that there haven’t been any major fireworks mishaps in Alpena in recent years because of city ordinances.

“We don’t allow many fireworks in the city,” Marceau said. “We don’t have a big problem (with fireworks)…I believe people are really respectful in Alpena.”

However, Marceau explained it is still important for community members to be attentive when lighting off fireworks, especially when children are around.

“Never allow children to use fireworks,” Marceau said.

Marceau noted that community members should not set off fireworks near buildings and to be mindful of where fireworks will land. He also explained that keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby is a good idea in case there are any firework related mishaps.

Marceau said that the fire department deals with more heat related health emergencies around summer holidays, especially when adult beverages are involved. Marceau noted that community members celebrating the holiday on the water should be mindful of water safety, as well.

He said that the life jacket stations at Starlite and Thomson Park beaches that were installed last year in partnership with the fire department continue to be a good resource for community members to stay safe on the water.

“Any way we can keep our community safe,” Marceau said, in regard to the life jacket station.

Spl/Lt. Ashley Miller, seventh district public information officer for the MSP, said that celebrating Fourth of July, and other summer holidays, is all about being “mindful.”

“The Fourth of July is a great holiday that everyone likes to celebrate,” Miller said. “They like to be with friends and family…there seems to always be some alcohol, sometimes too much alcohol, so we just always want to remind people that if you are using fireworks, please do not be impaired while using fireworks.”

Miller explained that some safety tips community members should keep in mind while using fireworks include checking labels.

“Make sure that the label says consumer use, not professional use,” Miller said.

Miller also stated that young children should not handle fireworks, including sparklers.

“Sparklers burn at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and that can burn anyone,” Miller said. “At least if the littles are using the sparklers just make sure that you’re being attentive to them.”

Miller stated that community members should move back quickly when lighting fireworks and never aim them in the direction of another person.

According to Miller, it is best practice to not throw hot fireworks into the garbage. Instead, Miller said that people should dunk fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away.

Both Marceau and Miller stated that individuals should check city ordinances to know when they can light off fireworks.

According to Marceau, the City of Alpena only allows fireworks on June 29, 30, and July 1 through July 4, between 8 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.

Miller also mentioned ordinances as an important factor when celebrating the Fourth of July, because not only should individuals be cognizant of the law, but they should be respectful of their neighbors.

“Just be respectful of your neighbors,” Miller said. “It’s always great to see fireworks but when it is late at night…people are trying to get their rest. We don’t want to cause any issues between neighbors…we want to have fun, but we also want to be respectful of other people too.”

Overall, Miller advised community members to enjoy the holiday. However, she said do so in a way that keeps yourself and those around you safe.

“It all comes down to making good choices,” Miller said.