Pinellas County urges residents and visitors to celebrate July 4th safely

June 30, 2022

Pinellas County Safety and Emergency Services urges residents and visitors to practice fire safety at home and with pets this Independence Day holiday weekend.

Every year, the misuse of fireworks results in hundreds of preventable calls to emergency responders and dozens of trips to the emergency room. Supervised public display of fireworks is allowed with a permit from the appropriate fire district. Each fire district will know the regulations in their respective municipality.

Holiday Safety:

While sparklers and fountains are legal, they can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Officials urge extreme caution and advise residents to closely follow these safety recommendations:

• Read and understand all product warnings.
• Never place any body part directly over a device when lighting the fuse.
• Use sparklers only as directed, and only outdoors.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• After using these devices, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding.

Fireworks and Pet Safety:

Pinellas County Animal Services reminds pet owners to keep pets secure during firework displays. Fireworks can scare pets, causing them to run away, become disoriented, or get hit by cars. Do not take pets to fireworks events. Pets at these events are at higher risk for anxiety, overheating and escaping.

• Make sure pets are microchipped, licenses are current, and tags are secured to pets' collars.
• Keep pets indoors in a cool, comfortable place with some minor noise distraction such as a radio or television.
• If leaving town without your pets, leave them with someone who will be particularly cautious and responsible during Fourth of July celebrations.

Additional Safety Guidance:

Fireworks displays can be very stressful for those coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These residents and visitors may want to take precautions over the holiday to minimize negative impacts of reactions:

• Consider using fireworks like sparklers that do not make very loud noises.
• If discharging legal fireworks at home, light fireworks during times in which other displays may take place, not too early in the day or too late at night.
• For those with PTSD: keep noise-canceling headphones on hand to drown out loud pops and explosions.
• For those with Post Traumatic Stress Response (PTSR): Stay close to exits at public places to make leaving easier if the noise become too much.

Veterans in need of emergency support can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). For non-emergencies, contact Pinellas County Veterans Services at 727-464-8460.

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