FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS

Jul 2, 2024, 08:16 AM by Caylee Deshotel

FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS

Lafayette, LA - With the Fourth of July on the horizon, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) wants to ensure everyone celebrates safely and responsibly. Below are some important safety tips to keep in mind, especially when it comes to fireworks and pets.

Fireworks Safety:

• Detonate devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles, and rubbish.
• Never allow children to light fireworks.
• Never operate fireworks while impaired.
• Light devices one at a time and monitor embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby.
• Discard detonated items by wetting them down to prevent reignition and not disposing of them in a trash container immediately.
• Always read and follow the label directions carefully.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activity.
• Fireworks should be placed on a hard, smooth surface before ignition.
• Never light fireworks in your hand.
• Quickly light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings.
• Keep fireworks away from small children.
• Do not alter or make your fireworks.
• If viewing a fireworks display, never pick up fireworks that may be left over. Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury, as they may still be active.

The Lafayette Fire Department reminds citizens that it is illegal to possess, use, handle, sell or ignite fireworks within city limits of Lafayette. Fireworks may be set off only in unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish from June 25 through July 5 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and until 1:00 a.m. on July 5. Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to possess, handle or purchase fireworks.

Pet Safety:

• Keep your pets secured inside your home.
• Give them a safe place to hide.
• Use ambient noise such as a radio or TV to mask the fireworks noises.
• Keep them busy with toys or a treat.
• Consult a vet about medication if your pet fears loud noises.
• Update pet ID info in case your pet gets lost.

If you've lost your pet, check the Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center Lost Pet webpage at: lafayettela.gov/lascc/lost-found/lost-a-pet.

Schedule Reminders:

• Transit Services: All transit services will be suspended for the day. Regular transit schedules will resume on Friday, July 5, 2024.
  
• Garbage Collection: Garbage collection will run as normal. Residents are advised to place their garbage bins at the curb according to the usual schedule.
• Dean Domingues Compost Facility: The compost facility, located at 400 Dugas Road, will be closed. It will reopen with regular operating hours on Friday, July 5, 2024.
  

Stay safe and have a happy Fourth of July!

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