As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, many of us plan to attend picnics with back yard fireworks displays, or the awesome Marietta Fireworks display!. The Susquehanna Regional Police Department wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe holiday and offers these tips you can follow over the upcoming holiday:

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Please review the ordinance laws for your area. There is a link below that explains what you can and cannot do as it pertains to fireworks in your area.
2. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
4. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
5. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
6. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
7. Make sure you pet is away from the fireworks and provide them with treats and a safe area to be during the display.
8. Please make sure your pets are contained. Every year, our officer's rescue pets that ran away from the owner due to the fireworks.

TRAFFIC/ROADWAY SAFETY

        1. Every year, officer's respond to vehicles blocking the flow of regular traffic on roadways in our area.

        2. Please make sure your vehicle is off the roadway completely and is parked in an area that permission has been given. Preferable a parking lot or driveway.

        3. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON ANY ROADWAY TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS!!!

EAST DONEGAL TOWNSHIP FIREWORKS ORDINANCE

https://library.municode.com/pa/east_donegal_township/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH18HESA_ARTVFI_S18-127COFI

MARIETTA BOROUGH FIREWORKS ORDINANCE

https://boroughofmarietta.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ORD-2018-06-Fireworks-Ordinance.pdf

MARIETTA FIREWORKS FACEBOOK PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/MariettaFireworks/

HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY:

https://www.history.com/news/july-4-fireworks-independence-day-john-adams