|
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman encouraged Nebraskans to enjoy the July 4th holiday weekend with their families and urged them to drive and celebrate sensibly. The Governor was joined in delivering his message today by two of the state’s top safety officials, Nebraska State Patrol Col. Bryan Tuma and State Fire Marshal Dennis Hohbein.
"This is the weekend we celebrate our independence, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore our responsibilities as Nebraskans and neighbors," Gov. Heineman said. "Please be careful while driving to your holiday destinations, and make sure to take particular care to supervise children playing with or near fireworks. We want this to be a joyous Fourth of July for all Nebraskans."
Drivers will share Nebraska's roadways this weekend with an increased number of Nebraska State Patrol troopers from Friday through Monday, thanks in part to nearly $20,000 in grant funds from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety. The State Patrol and State Fire Marshal’s Office will also be conducting spot vehicle checks for illegal fireworks.
Motorist assist volunteers in specially marked vans will be available to help stranded travelers along Interstate 80 from Kearney to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Pilots with the State Patrol air wing will also monitor traffic from the air.
Col. Tuma said, "Our goal is to ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday destinations safely. While you will see extra troopers and special enforcement efforts across the state, we need the help of every driver on the road to achieve that goal. The key to making this Independence Day weekend a safe one is for everyone to drive responsibly."
Fire Marshal Hohbein said, "July Fourth is a great weekend for fun, but the power and potential danger of fireworks must be respected. Children should never be left alone with sparklers or other kinds of fireworks, and adults should take special care to avoid lighting any fireworks near dry areas or household combustibles."
According to the Nebraska Health and Human Services System, 102 Nebraska children ages 19 and younger were injured in 2004 due to fireworks. Boys ages 10 to 14, are at the highest risk of fireworks-related injuries. Children ages four and younger are at the highest risk for sparkler-related injuries. Accidents usually involve the hands and fingers, eyes or head.
The Fire Marshal’s Office offered the following fireworks safety tips:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them
- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap
- Light one item at a time, and move back quickly
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers
- Always read and follow label directions
- Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
- Only ignite fireworks outdoors
- Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before throwing them away
- Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks
- And stay away from illegal explosives.
|
