BREWER, Maine — Independence Day is on Thursday, and while it is a time for fanfare and celebrations, it also poses some safety concerns, as more travelers are anticipated to be on the roads and fireworks will be lit by amateurs and professionals alike across the nation.
If you're among the many people who plan to illuminate the skies with fireworks, the Brewer Fire Department provided tips on how to stay safe while using them.
“Making sure people around you and yourself are safe, just being aware of what you're doing, and use the fireworks as they're intended based on manufacturers’ information,” Deputy Fire Chief Erik Tourtillotte said.
Tourtillotte said it's important to check the wind direction and find out how dry or humid the air is before lighting fireworks. Then launch from a place with no nearby vegetation, have water available, and never try to relight a firework that didn't work the first time, he advised.
If you’re planning to purchase fireworks, make sure to check your local town's or city’s laws.
“They could be more strict than what the state has in place, so to make sure you don't get in trouble, you're in violation, make sure you know what those laws and regulations are,” Tourtillotte said.
This holiday week, you should also watch out for busy traffic.
Pat Moody from AAA Northern New England said the agency expects a record-breaking 71 million Americans nationwide traveling 50 miles or more this week, a 5 percent increase over last year.
“Whenever we see more congestion on our roads, we see an increase in risk and the chance of being involved in a collision,” Moody said.
Moody said he expected Wednesday to be the busiest travel day and recommended travelers get on the road before noon to avoid the afternoon rush between roughly 2 and 7 p.m.
Planning in advance can make your trip safer, according to Moody.
“Giving yourself enough time to get to your destination, giving yourself enough room between you and the car you're following, and of course, not driving distracted or intoxicated,” he said.
David Saquet is an emergency physician at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. He said he sees an increase in the number of people coming who need medical attention during holidays because of DUI-related incidents.
“Don't operate under the influence regardless of what you're operating, whether it be a bicycle, motorcycle, ATV, or car,” Saquet said.
He also sees an increase in heat-related emergencies.
“Always wear sunblock, stay cool, drink plenty of water, seek shade,” Saquet advised.
Tourtillotte said he wants people to go out and enjoy the holiday but to celebrate responsibly by being prepared and never launching fireworks or operating a vehicle while impaired.