Celebrate but be safe

Friday, July 4, 2008

The day commemorates the founding of the United States with the approval of the Declaration of Independence, formally separating the 13 Colonies from the Great Britain of King George III.

It’s a good day to remember the sacrifices of those few visionaries, our Founding Fathers, who risked all — their lives, fortunes and sacred honor, as the declaration states — for the ideals of legitimate governance stemming from the will of the people, and equal treatment under law.

It’s a great day to remember all of the folks in military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a host of other locations around the world, who won’t be home to enjoy the celebratory barbecue, but are risking their lives to preserve the ideals of the Founders.

On a more mundane level, it’s an important day to remember that more people are out and about on local roads than normal on a weekend, and to remember to drive safely, drive sober and drug-free, and plan a safe and sane celebration of the holiday.

It’s also important to remember that every year on the Glorious Fourth countless people are injured in accidents involving fireworks. Our Weekend section in today’s paper has the locations of professionally supervised fireworks displays around the region, which we urge everyone to attend.

If you must shoot off your own fireworks, remember that safety should come first. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

* Always read and follow label directions.

* Always have an adult present.

* Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers.

* Only ignite fireworks outdoors.

* Be sure to have water handy.

* Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.

* Light only one at a time.

* Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

* Never give fireworks to small children.

* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

* Dispose of fireworks properly.

* Never throw fireworks at another person.

* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.