COUNTY LIFE
Safety tips during the July 4th holiday
Here are some safety tips when using or enjoying fireworks during this July 4th holiday weekend.
- Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water/hose nearby in case of accidents.
- Designate a safety perimeter. If you have ground-based fireworks like a fountain, spectating from at least 35 feet away is best. For aerial fireworks, you’ll want everyone to move back to a distance of around 150 feet.
- Ditch faulty fireworks. Sometimes fireworks don’t go off, but duds always pose a risk. The important thing to know is that you should never try to relight or approach a failed firework. Let duds sit for 5 -10 minutes before you put them in a bucket of water. This can prevent injury from a delayed explosion and disarm the firework permanently so you can safely dispose of it.
- Supervise children when they are handling sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet or touching body parts.
- Don’t forget about your pets! Fireworks can be extremely stressful for pets, but there are ways to help reduce their fear and anxiety. Keep your pets indoors. Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. Treat toys filled with their favorite food (frozen pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and apple sauce are good options) may also help keep their minds busy and distract them from the fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting. To safely light fireworks, make sure they are secured on the ground away from people and animals and use a stem lighter such as a grill lighter.
- Only light one firework at a time. Lighting multiple fireworks at the same time increases the risk of accidents occurring from the fuse burning faster than designed.
- Avoid alcohol consumption when handling or using fireworks. This should be pretty self-explanatory.
- Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string or glow sticks.
In addition to these tips, follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for consumer safety and be sure to consult your state and local laws as private firework usage may be restricted in your area.
The Saint Jo City Council was scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on April 9 in Saint Jo City Hall for the regular monthly meeting.
Items on the agenda include a permit request from Amy and Troy Allen for property located at the corner of Meadows and N. Meigs lots one and two. City Secretary Debbie Dennis will make a request to consolidate the water and sewer fund into a general fun for the purpose of creating a consolidated cash account. This is based on a recommendation from Accountant Josh Harman and Fundview, which is the new records management program now being used by the city staff.
An executive session is planned to discuss the possible hiring of a new police officer. Any action would be taken back in open session.
The agenda concludes with minutes, monthly bills and written reports from the mayor, police, fire, water and sewer and the city secretay.
Members of the Nocona City Council were scheduled to meet at 5 om. on April 8 in council chambers.
The councilor will receive the annual financial report for 2023-24 from its outside auditor.
A resolution approving the Nocona Economic Development Corporation (Type A and B boards), to spend $2,250 in funds for L&M Barber and cigar shop signage will be considered.
A second resolution is set to allow the two NEDC boards to participate in a grant of $19,225 to the Indian Oaks Golf Advisory Committee for equipment, aerifying and top dressing greens, plus batteries in the rental carts.
The third resolution would allow the boards to participate in a grant of $20,000 to the Nocona Chisholm Trail Rodeo Arena Committee to build new concrete bleachers, railings, fence and a platform. And the final resolution would allow the boards to expend loan funds of $5,000 to Studio 940 (Circle F Salon) for furniture and equipment.
The council will consider reappointing Kevin Kirkpatrick for the NEDC Type A Board for a three-year term.
During the workshop agenda, the council was going to discuss a new date for the Nocona Gas Junkies Car Club race moved from April 19 to April 26.
The city council also has an item where it will act as the building commission to discuss a request from Bradley and Barbara Lawrence to install a new 2024 manufacture home at 605 Travis.
Michael Bohling, chief meteorologist from Channel 3 in Wichita Falls, will have a presentation at the Montague County Courthouse Annex Community room in Montague from 7-8 p.m. on April 8. It is sponsored by the Montague County Amateur Radio Club.
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