Fourth of July Safety Tips

Before you load up from either a legitimate fireworks tent or the back of Billy Joe's pickup truck, make sure you know which consumer fireworks are legal. Basically, if it explodes either on the ground or in the air, it's illegal, says Fire Chief Gary Frazier of the Jacksonville Beach Fire Department. Chapter 791 of the Florida Statutes provides a full explanation of what will and won't get you a hefty fine or a few days in jail. Rules cover both the sale and use of fireworks so crossing the state line into Georgia to buy your stash then setting them off back home won't cut it with police. Nor will using that "agricultural use" bit unless, of course, you actually are using them to scare birds from your cornfields or fish hatcheries.

While you enjoy the fireworks, your pet likely is hiding under a bed or making a run for it. July 5 is the year's busiest day for animal shelters as outside dogs and cats tend to bolt with the first celebratory boom. Danya Parks-Freel, the Jacksonville Humane Society's director of operations, strongly recommends letting your outside pets enjoy the indoors for the evening, if only in the garage. It's best to stay with them. But if you're partying elsewhere, leave your pets a few creature comforts to help soothe their stress. A best bet is something with your scent, such as a blanket or an unwashed shirt from your laundry hamper. Stuffed animals and a Kong pet toy filled with tasty treats (peanut butter is always a hit) keep them occupied.

Local police will be out in full force patroling both the roadways and the waterways. Throughout the day and night, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and DUI Unit will work closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a safety awareness blitz dubbed "Operation Fireworks." Bottom line, they'll have no tolerance for drinking and driving. According to 1-800-Taxi-USA, the average DUI conviction will set you back $1,600 in fines, not including legal fees, vehicle damage, personal injuries, medical costs, higher automobile insurance rates, loss of license and imprisonment, making cab fare of any amount a bargain. Call 1-800-USA-TAXI or designate a driver.

Security is always heightened at public venues, particularly on patriotic holidays. Weapons are an obvious no-no. But some surprising items make the banned lists as well, including noise makers, frisbees and certain types and sizes of bags and other containers.

Remnants of your celebration can be dangerous for some, namely protected sea turtles. The cute little buggers are smack in the middle of their hatching season this time of year and items like fireworks debris, cigarette butts, sandwich bags and baloons can be choking hazards for them. So if you're joining the festivities along Jacksonville's beaches, please take your trash with you. Of course, not everyone will be so responsible. So, each July 5th, volunteers join the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol for a coastal cleanup from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Organizers provide gloves & trash bags. Anyone interested in helping can sign up on the beach at Atlantic Blvd., Beach Blvd. or 16th Ave. South.