A successful holiday weekend would be one where no one is injured in fireworks displays and we all maintain a safe social distance around us while participating in holiday events.

Every year, fireworks-related injuries rise this time of year because of people not following proper safety procedures when lighting off the explosives.

“If you do plan to shoot your own fireworks, please remember that these are explosives and if they are used incorrectly, can cause irreparable injury and harm,” Orlene Hawks, the director of the Michigan Deptartment of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “It is vital that we all take every safety precaution possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

The same advice was given by area fire chiefs in a Thursday newspaper story.

Hawks urged residents to:

∫ Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers, which can become quite hot quickly.

∫ Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.

∫ Ensure people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.

∫ Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.

∫ Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

∫ Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.

The Fourth of July is one of Northeast Michigan’s best holidays.

Let’s do our part to keep it that way be being safe throughout the weekend.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)