DARTMOUTH — Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and State Police, fire departments statewide reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks from 2012 to 2021. In addition to the 43 fire service injuries and $2.1 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported 31 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks.
The possession, use and sale of all fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine, or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence. It is also illegal for private citizens to purchase fireworks legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Dartmouth Police Department at 508-910-1700. In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Fourth of July Safety Tips
Drive Safely
- Be mindful of pedestrians.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2016 to 2020, there were 1,390 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 41% of the drivers killed were drunk.
- Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-share service to get home safely.
- Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
- If you see a possible impaired driver on the road, call 911.
- For more tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.
Celebrate Safely
- Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
- Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
- Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
- Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.
Summer Safety Tips
Boat Safely
- Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions.
- Be courteous and respectful to other boaters.
- Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
- Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather.
- Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check.
- Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgement, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats.
- For more information on safe boating, click here.
Grill Safely
- Never leave your grill unattended while cooking.
- Patios, terraces, screened-in porches and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires. Grills should always be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- At the very least, grills should be kept at least three feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
- Have a 3-foot safe zone around grills and campfires. Keep kids and pets away from the area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. This will help prevent grease fires.
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- See more safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.
Swim Safely
Call 911 immediately if you think someone is drowning. Do not try to rescue someone from the water unless you are trained in water rescue.
- In ponds and lakes:
- Natural bodies of water can have steep drop-offs that can take you by surprise, invisible currents, debris and obstacles like tree limbs and rocks, cold water that can shock your system and impair your ability to react, and poor visibility.
- Look for signs that say “No Swimming.” If you see a sign, don’t go into the water past your ankles.
- Ask someone in your group to stay sober, out of the water, and diligent about keeping an eye on the people in the water.
- In pools:
- Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
- Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
- Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
- Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
- Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
- Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
- Watch for rip currents:
- If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm. Don’t fight the current. Escape the current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
- Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else caught in a rip current. Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard isn’t present, yell instructions on how to escape. If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
- If you intend to go into the water, make sure you know how to swim. Never swim alone. For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard. Be cautious at all times.
- Be aware of the signs of rip currents. Things to look for include a channel of churning choppy water, a difference in water color, a line of seaweed or debris moving out into the lake or a break in the incoming wave pattern.
Hot Weather Safety
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar.
- If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m. Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- For parents: Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses. Avoid burns — If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
- Click here to learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
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