It’s Fourth of July weekend, and that means there will be fireworks and sparklers everywhere. From entertaining neighbors to parades, and city approved displays, it’s going to be a fun filled weekend to celebrate 240 years of Independence. It’s also a weekend the local firefighters have extra volunteers on standby because with fireworks and crowds, also come a lot of risks and dangers if you’re not careful. We don’t want anything to ruin your parade (pun intended) so check out the latest tips from Osceola Garage to make sure your family has a happy, safe weekend.

1. Know which fireworks are legal in our area – Putnam County allows sparklers, sparkling fountains, smoking devices, party poppers, and snakes. All others are illegal, and if you have plans to travel to NYC, all fireworks are illegal even sparklers.
2. Know how to transport fireworks – Due to the tremendous fire risk don’t plan on taking fireworks on any public transportation to included trains, subways, buses, or airplanes. Fireworks are considered Division 1.4G explosives and transportation is regulated by the Hazardous Materials Regulation. This only applies to commercial shipping, but we should take precautions to be safe and smart.
   1. Never place fireworks in a passenger compartment of any vehicle the temperatures can rise in this area, and due to the proximity to the engine, it could cause devastating effects.
   2. Never light or toss a lit firework from your car or truck bed. It’s the whole gas tank and combustion engine pieces that make this tips a no brainer.
   3. Keep fireworks out of direct sunlight. We all remember the magnifying glass-sun experiment in science. Car windows can have the same effect.
   4. Never smoke around fireworks or store fireworks around a grill.
   5. Lastly, when purchasing fireworks especially large quantities, ask the seller if they have an extra cardboard box. These boxes are typically special spark-free boxes and will keep the fireworks safe and secure.
3. Know where the viewing areas are – if you’re attending a firework display around town, pay attention to areas designated for parking and spectating. The demonstrators have specially marked these sections as safe zones. Finding your spot may put you in a fallout zone which means ashes and debris could pose a risk to your safety. Moreover, should you choose to watch from your car, pull into a designated parking lot and keep children with you at all times. Roadside viewing is dangerous and not for children.
4. Know the traffic pattern – During parades and Fourth of July celebrations, road closures are bound to happen as well as rerouted traffic. Stay calm and focused on traffic attendants, signage, and walking spectators. Plan to go slow and expect a 30-minute ride may take 90 mins. It’s a part of the experience and should be expected, so stay calm and alert.
5. Know your limits – there will be lots of parties and celebrations this weekend and with that Alcohol is bound to be served somewhere. Don’t drink and drive; it’s not worth the risks or consequences.

We hope everyone has a plan for fireworks and a plan to stay safe. Not sure of firework times or locations, check out the Hudson Valley Post for a list of events, times, and locations. From our family to yours have a safe and happy Fourth of July.