UNDATED (WKZO AM/FM) — Whether you’re setting off fireworks or taking care of a scared pet, there are a lot of safety tips all families should remember during the 4th of July.
To ensure firework safety, President of E.S.C.A.P.E Michael McLeieer says users should always be cautious of children or pets nearby, have water on hand, read instructions, and light fireworks properly.
He adds that about 11,000 people are injured around this time of year due to fireworks and although sparklers may seem harmless, they can get hot and cause severe burns.
In addition, some pets don’t mind fireworks, but most, with their sensitive hearing, really hate them.
Pet owners should take precautions to help calm a terrified animal.
Holly Guild with the Humane Society in Lansing says pet owners should keep pets in a dark, closed room with a radio or TV playing to drown out the sound of fireworks.
Dogs should also have identifying tags, just in case they get frightened and make a run for the door.
More pet tips can be found at their website.
And when it comes to firework complaints, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell says firework calls are not their top priority for Public Safety officials.
He says officers have to see someone improperly lighting fireworks to issue a citation, and then its usual policy is to issue a warning first.
He says the 4th of July and New Years Eve are both busy days and there are a lot of other higher priority issues they have to deal with, like crimes, assaults, fires, and more.
He says they do respond to complaints but from 8 a.m. to midnight the day before, the day of, and the day after the holiday it’s legal in the State of Michigan to use fireworks.
Residents throughout West Michigan can find a full list of professional firework shows here.
Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!
