Have a Happy & Safe Fourth of July!

• Lafayette: Everyone is invited to a Pre-4th of July Celebrationon Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn at The White House Assisted Living. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music presented by: the Skahl Family. Serving an All-American meal of hotdogs, hamburgers, chips & drinks. Fireworks at dusk. This event is free to attend.
• Westmoreland: The Westmoreland Freedom Fest Independence Day Celebration will be held Saturday, June 28, at 3 p.m. at the Ricky Woodard Memorial Park (downtown area, follow signs). There will be live music (Bands performing: Pecan Sandies, Brothers Adcock, Grandpa’s Music, Junction South, Tommy Ross & TCB Band) a cakewalk, vendors, an inflatable slide for children and fireworks at 10 p.m. For information regarding vendor registration contact Rita Miller at (615) 644-2203.
• Hartsville: Hartsville Independence Day Parade – Friday, July 4^th at 4 p.m. The parade will go down Main Street to the park. After the parade, there will be food and live entertainment in the park and fireworks at 8 p.m.
• Hermitage Springs: Hermitage Springs Volunteer Fire Department BBQ & Fireworks – Saturday, July 5 at the Hermitage Springs Park (Hwy 52). BBQ begins at 10:30 a.m. until it runs out! BBQ will be served at the fire hall and at the park. Fireworks begin at dark. Live music will begin later in the evening.

The number one concern about the Fourth of July holiday is safety. To ensure the safety of you and your loved ones this holiday, the Lafayette Fire Department encourages everyone to adhere to the following fireworks safety tips:

1. Sparklers, considered by many as “safe,” burn at very high temperatures, can easily ignite clothing and stay hot long after burning out. They are as dangerous as matches or lighters to children. Be sure to collect all burned out sparkler wires for disposal.
2. Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close supervision. Never allow any running or horseplay.
3. Use lighters with a child resistant feature. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
4. Light fireworks outdoors, one at a time, on a clear, smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves or grass, or flammable materials.
5. Keep water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on misfired or spent fireworks.
6. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
7. Be sure other people and pets are out of range.
8. Never experiment with fireworks or ignite them in a glass or metal container. Do not attempt to make your own.
9. Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. Store them in a dry, cool place out of reach of children.
10. Dispose of all fireworks properly.

According to Lafayette Fire Chief Keith Scruggs, there is at least one fire reported in Macon County every year involving Fourth of July fireworks, and he encourages residents to be aware of their surroundings. “There are a lot of dry areas that could catch fire,” he stated. “Surveying the area for potential fire hazards before igniting fireworks is the best way to prevent danger.”