With a full week of Independence Day activities and fireworks ahead, a local EMA Officer said it will be important to remain diligent to stay safe.
Jackson County EMA Public Information Officer Derek Woolbright said heat related illness and dehydration are common this time of year. Woolbright said fireworks injuries are also common, especially if people use them irresponsibly.
“I think its just a little bit of complacency,” Woolbright said. “We’ve all seen fireworks our whole life. Most of us have probably shot fireworks our whole life. I think a lot of times a ‘that won’t happen to me’ attitude, ‘I’ve done this a million times and it’s never happened to me before,’ just not being overall careful when handling something dangerous.”
Woolbright said people should always follow the directions on firework labels. Woolbright said fireworks can cause serious injury or death, so adult supervision is needed if children are handling them.
Woolbright said injuries and illnesses are more common around the July 4th holiday than in other parts of the summer. Woolbright said increased usage of the waterways and increased heat exposure are to blame.
“With the weather we’re having right now, stay hydrated,” Woolbright said. “Especially over a holiday like Independence Day, more people are consuming alcohol, and that naturally dehydrates you extra on top of the heat.”
Woolbright said people should avoid spending long periods outside without eating or drinking water.
Woolbright said drinking and driving is a concern this time of year.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol and local law enforcement have got several checkpoints set up throughout the Upper Cumberland throughout the month of July doing sobriety checkpoints,” Woolbright said. “It’s certainly a point of concern for public safety personnel.”
Woolbright said to pay attention to common sense safety measures, like helmets on ATVs and motorcycles, or life jackets while boating.
