LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) - People are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day.
Along with anticipation and excitement, officials are warning those about the danger of fires and injuries this time of year relating to holiday activities. Two popular ones, fireworks and barbecues.
Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire Deputy Chief Brett Graham says most families at home will be using consumer fireworks, the ones you typically would buy at a roadside stand.
Graham said it is very important to keep a close eye on children while using them. He also said if you are drinking alcoholic beverages, to be responsible in choosing whether to participate.
Deputy Chief Graham added that display fireworks should be left to the professionals and come with a lot of red tape. He said injuries do increase around this time of year but, he added over his time with the fire bureau improper firework disposal is a big one that causes problems.
"The biggest thing I will say in my experience that we have seen is the improper disposal of fireworks if you're going to partake in those activities, we recommend that you get a 5-gallon bucket of water or something to put those fireworks in and let them sit soaking in water for at least a day or two before you dispose of them into the garbage can," said Graham.
Graham said that is to avoid the risk of starting a fire to ensure everything is out. He also said today is a great day to check those fire alarms to make sure they are working just in case anything was to happen.
Assistant Fire Chief Collin Weigle gave abc27 tips on grilling safety, another popular holiday activity.
He said if you plan to host a cook-out, to make sure your grill is 50 to 100 feet away from any structure to make sure no hot embers or any kind of heat could start a fire.
Weigle said with some of the dryer conditions and heat wave we had, a hot ember could land on a piece of dryer grass and spread. To avoid that, if using a charcoal grill, he said to dispose of the charcoals in a safe area. If using a propane grill, remember to shut it off.
"Charcoal is going to be a little more prone to starting a fire because it holds heat a little bit better and the charcoals once you dispose of them, depending on where you dispose of them could start a fire whereas opposed to propane or natural gas once your turn it off, it's off…that's if you remember to turn them off," he said.
The fire bureau recommends reminding yourself of local ordinances prior to celebrations.