What we think: Fireworks safety depends on you

Talk about it

The Fourth of July is about celebrating our country’s freedom. Officially, it’s called Independence Day, acknowledging the beginning of the end of British rule in 1776 and the start of the brand new United States of America. It’s the day Americans tend to celebrate with picnics, outdoor grilling and, of course, fireworks.

Throughout the country, communities are planning spectacular public fireworks displays to commemorate the day. Jamestown is one of those communities. Saturday night fireworks will explode in the sky in the northwest part of town as part of our celebration of the Fourth.

Fireworks are also part of the celebration with family and friends. Since they went on sale last weekend, the pops, booms and squeals of fireworks have been heard throughout Jamestown. And despite the overabundance of water we’ve all been dealing with for months now, it’s pretty dry out there. Residents are asked to be cautious with fireworks. Nobody wants to curtail the holiday for local and rural volunteer firefighters’ to deal with a grass or house fire caused by fireworks.

Just a reminder: Personal safety is also important during the Fourth. The state Department of Emergency Management recommends supervising children around fireworks and keeping a bucket of water handy.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. And don’t forget the Kiddies Bike Parade. It starts at 10 a.m. Saturday traveling down First Avenue from the downtown railroad parking lots with youngsters and bikes all decked out in red, white and blue.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: what we think, opinion, fireworks, safety