Wake Fire/Rescue Division Lists Fireworks Safety Tips, Scheduled Displays

7/2/2007

Every year, fireworks or resulting fires injure more than 11,000 people. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July. Summertime should be a time to have fun. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Wake County Department of Public Safety strongly recommends that you attend a public display and LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS!

However, if you decide to use legal fireworks on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
Read and follow all manufacturers’ warnings and instructions
Be sure other people are out of the way before lighting fireworks
Never light fireworks indoors
Do not use fireworks near any building, vehicle or vegetation
Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby
Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Never throw fireworks at another person
Buy only legal fireworks

Finally, never wear loose-fitting clothing while using fireworks, and remember to Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothes catch fire.

Several public firework displays are scheduled throughout Wake County during the Independence Day holiday. Below is a list of public displays (times are approximate -- be sure to confirm these events before planning to attend):

Tuesday, July 3
Town of Fuquay-Varina, South Park, 9:15 p.m.
Town of Garner, Lake Benson Park, 9:30 p.m.
Town of Wake Forest, WF-Rolesville High School, 9:00 p.m.
SAS Soccer Park, Cary, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 4
City of Raleigh, N.C. State Fairgrounds, 9:30 p.m.
Town of Rolesville, Rolesville Community Park, 9:00 p.m.
Wood Valley Swim Club, 9:15 p.m.
Town of Cary, Regency Park, 9:30 p.m.
North Ridge Country Club, 9:00 p.m
Five County Stadium, Carolina Mudcats, 9:30 p.m

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