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Grilling safety

Nothing says Independence Day like a backyard barbecue, unless your grill burns more than the burgers. July is the peak month for grill-related fires, so homeowners should be extra cautious around the grill.

ItÐÔÊӽ紫ý important to never leave grills unattended and to keep children and pets a safe distance from them. The location of the grill matters, too; it should be a minimum of 10 feet from homes and trees and should never be kept indoors or in enclosed spaces.

In case a fire does pop up, keeping a fire extinguisher or water nearby is a good first line of defense.

Those working hard at the grill are encouraged to use long-handled tools to prevent burns and items catching on fire. Also, ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked, adequately covered, and properly stored avoids sickness.

Fireworks fiascos

Fireworks are the grand finale of many July 4 celebrations, yet they’re responsible for thousands of fires each year. In 2022 alone, fireworks ignited 31,302 fires, including 3,504 structure fires and nearly $109 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“Fireworks are a beautiful part of the holiday, but safety should always come first,� Waiters said. “A few precautions can keep the night dazzling without unwanted explosions.�

While fireworks provide a lot of fun, Rome Police ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Community Information Specialist Kelly Madden said they must be used responsibly and limited to the designated hours. Fireworks can be set off between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. The only exception is New Years Day, which extends the hours until 1 a.m., Madden said.

Whenever possible, itÐÔÊӽ紫ý important to leave fireworks to the professionals, perhaps by attending a public event and enjoying the show from the comfort of your lawn chair.

There are several public events where locals can enjoy fireworks, such as RockmartÐÔÊӽ紫ý Independence Day Celebration at Hilburn Field, which is from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

If doing it on your own, the fireworks should be away from buildings, cars and trees, and children should not help handle any fireworks. In case things go south, keep water handy. If shooting fireworks, it is advised to avoid drugs or alcohol and to wear eye protection.

“If your celebration involves alcohol, plan ahead,â€� Madden said. “Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are. ThereÐÔÊӽ紫ý no excuse for impaired driving — our officers will be out in full force to keep our roads safe.â€�

Madden urges the community to be considerate of our local veterans who may struggle with the loud noises during these firework celebrations. And for our furry friends, it is important to be mindful that fireworks can stress pets. Keeping them indoors and secure can help ease their anxiety and better ensure their safety, she said.

Celebrations on July 4 also often feature swimming in pools or open water, but these fun activities can also pose risks. Adult supervision and floatation devices can prevent drowning.

Regardless of the event, being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious or dangerous activities can help keep the community safer.