Staying safe on the Fourth of July

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - While the Fourth of July holiday brings celebration, it also happens during fire season. Staying safe amid high fire danger and during festivities is important to enjoying the holiday.

While summer daylight in Alaska makes it difficult to see fireworks, the loud booms and bright colors may be enjoyed by some, but using the explosive displays isn’t allowed in some parts of the state where fire danger is high. This is the case in the Fairbanks North Star Borough where fireworks were banned on June 28. Still, these products are being sold else where such as Houston. For those partaking in fireworks, it’s important to remember “there’s lots of dangers that come with the fun of fireworks,” said Andrew Coccaro, the chief of the Fairbanks Fire Dept. “If you are in an area that does allow for fireworks to be done legally and safely, number one, make sure you’re in a safe place to do it.

According to Coccaro, that means that fireworks need to be used somewhere fires can’t start. “Make sure that if you’re using anything that goes bang or pop or explodes, that you don’t use a closed fist and you set it on the ground as the instructions probably tell,” he added. Children and adults that are not fully aware of the situation should also be moved away from fireworks to avoid accidents. Coccaro said that injuries from unsafe firework use can include “a combination of burns and explosions,” such as second or third degree burns. Explosions can also cause injuries such as hearing loss, finger or toe loss and punctures.

As for campfires, those have also been limited in parts of the state and “the best thing to do is contact your local forestry office or your local fire department and ask them what is allowed and what isn’t allowed because it can change day-to-day,” he explained.

Food safety is also important for anyone sharing food during the holiday. Among the best practices is making sure any meats are being cooked to the proper temperature which can be checked with a meat thermometer. “Cooking chicken and pork and other things at the proper temperatures you can find on most any website anywhere to make sure you’re meeting those,” Coccaro said. “Watch out for raw eggs or other things you’re not normally used to cooking on such a grand scale, and watching out for food allergies as well.“ He said that undercooked meats can introduce pathogens and bugs if meats are not cooked to the right temperature.

Eating too much food can also cause stress on the body, but that can be remedied by being hydrated.

Higher temperatures also mean it’s important to stay hydrated no matter what you do during the holiday. “Make sure that you’re pre hydrated before you go out,” advised Coccaro. That does not include drinking alcohol. “While you enjoy your adult beverages, you got to remember that those can actually enhance the effects of dehydration.” He said that folks should be wary of the symptoms heat related illnesses while they are celebrating to avoid the need for medical assistance.

Lastly, for those that plan to cook on a grill, Coccaro recommends having a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

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