Officials urge safety ahead of Fourth of July celebrations

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Fireworks, cookouts and road trips are all part of Fourth of July festivities, but emergency officials across Western New York are urging people to prioritize safety as they celebrate.

For those planning to attend large public fireworks displays, police said safety starts with the basics, such as keeping a close eye on children and being patient in traffic.

“There’s a lot of traffic and a lot of moving parts,” said New York State Police Trooper James O’Callaghan. “Pack your patience when you’re leaving those events. If alcohol or cannabis is part of that night, do not get behind the wheel.”

O’Callaghan said extra patrols and possible DWI checkpoints will be in place throughout the holiday weekend.

Those celebrating at home are also being reminded to take precautions. According to AAA, July is the peak month for grill fires nationwide.

“There’s about 9,000 every year,” said AAA spokesperson Elizabeth Carey. “So making sure that you’re prepared, keeping an eye on the food that you’re cooking, and having a fire extinguisher nearby can really make a difference.”

Carey also noted that homeowners could be held responsible if fireworks they set off cause damage to cars or houses.

“If you’re blowing off fireworks and they end up falling on a car or a house… you could be held liable,” she said.

Fire departments are asking people to stick to legal fireworks only, specifically ground-based devices like sparklers.

“Nothing that shoots up in the air,” said Brad Sprague, Chief of the Main-Transit Fire Department. “Most fireworks from out of state are illegal and cause more of a fire hazard and risk for health and safety.”

As for fireworks noise, police said complaints are common this time of year, but ask the public to consider whether it’s an emergency before calling.

“If it’s a loud noise complaint, you can call the non-emergency number,” O’Callaghan said. “But we don’t want to tie up services when there are also actual emergencies we have to go to.”

Officials said a little extra caution can help keep the holiday festive and avoid unnecessary danger.