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Fourth of July: Tips to ensure your celebration stays safe

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published  July 4, 2023 5:56am EDT
Holidays
FOX 5 Atlanta

Fourth of July safety tips

Whether you're going out to a big party or hosting a small one of your own, there are a few simple safety tips that can make sure your Fourth of July remains fun and peaceful.

ATLANTA - With so much going on during the Fourth of July celebrations, people often forget about safety, but Atlanta police say taking just a few seconds can help keep everyone out of harm's way for the holiday.

Whether it's watching a fireworks display or running in the Peachtree Road Race, there are a lot of things to do this Fourth of July.

And officials with the Atlanta Police Department say they want you to be safe.

"We welcome any and everybody to have a safe and fun time," APD Deputy Chief Timothy Peek said.

The department is working 12-hour shifts, so expect to see lots of officers on the streets.

But police say they can't do it alone. They're asking everyone to be alert and report anything suspicious to 911.

Officials are encouraging anyone who might drink at any Fourth of July parties to either take MARTA or a rideshare service.

How to keep workers safe in scorching heat

When temperatures are as hot as they are right now, many of us want to stay inside. But workers don't have that option. So, how can we keep them cool and comfortable?

If you're going to a special event, check about backpack, food, or other restrictions.

Police say Georgians should try to walk in groups and in well-lit areas. Never leave your car running unattended or leave a gun inside your vehicle.

"No purses, no electronics, nothing valuable left inside your vehicle," Peek said.

Staying safe on Georgia's waterways

Forecasters expect the long Fourth of July weekend will be a summer scorcher. Many will look for any relief to beat the heat, including heading to Lake Lanier. Game wardens are preparing to keep people safe on the water.

Game wardens with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are taking to the water to make sure nobody's celebration ends in tragedy. On Saturday and Sunday alone, wardens wrote 17 BUI citations.

If you're putting on your own fireworks display, don't allow small kids to handle anything. That includes sparklers, which can reach 1,000 degrees.

Stand 150 feet away from lit fireworks and soak them in water before disposing of them after the show is over.

Officials say common sense is the key. With it, we can all get through safely and have a good time.