…but leave the fireworks to the professionals
Within a few days, we all be celebrating Independence Day, on the Fourth of July or July Fourth, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Independence Day goes hand to hand with fireworks, because John Adams wanted us to. Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, he envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities. The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
On that they, most public offices will be closed, such as banks while some retail stores and restaurants will remain open, but the majority of people will enjoy the Summer Holiday by going to the beach or just mingling with relatives and or friends, tossing burgers and hot dogs on the grill. It’s customary for people to light off smaller fireworks during the day and evening, where the municipality allows.
With that in mind, Fire Officials urge the public to leave the Fireworks to the Professionals. Remember that fireworks are prohibited in our State of Massachusetts. Fortunately, for those fireworks lovers, several cities in the Merrimack Valley, including Lawrence, give the citizens a beautiful display of fireworks without cost and without danger for the spectator.
The 4th of July is No Holiday for Firefighters. “The Fourth of July holiday is a busy time for firefighters. We are supervising the professional displays so that they are conducted properly and safely for the viewing public; we’re busy responding to all types of fires and medical emergencies. In fact, the week of July 4 is one of the busiest times of the year for fires,” said Whitman Fire Chief Timothy J. Grenno, president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts.
Accidents happen when you play with fireworks. Tragedy hit hard here in Lawrence when on July 3, 2016, an 8-year old Lawrence boy received burns to his chest. A firework hit him in the chest while he was watching illegal fireworks being set off at a neighbor’s house. Also on July 4, 2016, a 4-year old Lawrence boy received burns to his forehead and chin when an illegal firework hit him in the face, and the list goes long, since a majority of firework-related fires and injuries occurred during the week of the Fourth of July holiday.
Let’s celebrate this special day surrounded by relatives and/or friends without exposing them to the danger of fireworks in inexperienced hands. Let’s leave that job to the experts.
Let’s all have a Happy Independence Day!
