We Love Fireworks; Fluffy & Fido Do Not

BAY AREA, CA – Public safety officials and other groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, are asking Bay Area residents and visitors to take some safety precautions this weekend and July 4.

MADD and Uber are teaming up for the third time to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Officials with both groups said that July 4 is one of the deadliest days of the year because of crashes related to
drunk driving.

They encourage everyone to take the safer alternative to driving.

The California Highway Patrol is asking drivers to watch their speed.

According to fire officials, residents who decide to celebrate with fireworks are less likely to be hurt themselves and others by taking these precautions:

• --Inspect all fireworks and avoid using damaged or leaking
• fireworks. Store fireworks in a cool-dry place
• --Avoid giving fireworks to a small child
• --Light one firework at a time and use a shovel to drop any duds
• into a pail of water
• --Spectators should be at least 10 feet away from fireworks, which
• should be lit at least 20 feet from a house, wood fence or brush
• --Fireworks should be lit in a large, safe, level dirt, pavement
• or gravel area at least 10 square feet in size
• --Avoid pointing fireworks at anyone and call 911 immediately is someone is injured

Additionally, fire officials suggest keeping an extra pail of water, wet towels, a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.

Residents should also take precautions to keep pets safe during the holiday.

Pets, especially dogs, may get frightened by the sound of fireworks and may break through fences and gates and run until they are lost.

The Peninsula Humane Society & Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is advising that pet owners do not take pets to fireworks displays. They should also keep pets inside in a room and draw blinds or
drapes and turn on a fan, TV or radio to drown out the noise from fireworks.

Also, pet owners should make sure each pet has a microchip or some identification on them. Consider having a veterinarian give a pet a tranquilizer if it gets anxious around fireworks.

Additional pet-safety advice from the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter:

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Exercise your pet. Tire your dog or cat out with plenty of exercise early in the day.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

ALSO WHAT TO KNOW FOR YOUR JULY 4TH HOLIDAY:

• All Fireworks Banned In Contra Costa County: Holiday Reminder

• July 4th Fireworks, Parades In East Bay: Where To See The Shows In 2017

• July 4th Fireworks, Parades 2017 In Santa Cruz County

• Dublin Fireworks Booth Locations: LIST

• Alameda County Fair 4th Of July Fireworks 2017: Parking, Discounts, Traffic Tips

--Bay City News contributed to report/Morguefile image