July 4th activities planned across the county

The Cameron Police Department is reminding city residents that fireworks are not allowed in the city limits. 

Anyone who discharges fireworks in the city limits will be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined.

Using fireworks within city limits (Cameron, Rockdale, Thorndale and Buckholts) is illegal, however, there are some events locally to celebrate at. 

If you’re going to deploy fireworks, please do so in a safe and legal (outside city limits) area. 

There are several activities that are planned for the July 4th holiday across the county.

Milano will host its 4th of July Parade and Hot Dog Lunch on July 4 at 10:30 a.m. Line up begins at 9:30 a.m. at the football field. Free annual community hot dog lunch with all the trimmings will be served immediately following parade at the Civic Center. Arts and crafts bizarre, food booths, etc. inside the Civic Center. 

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration will be held at Fair Park in Rockdale on July 4 from 6-10 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. 

Cameron VFW Post 2021 will host a Fourth of July BBQ on July 4 at 4 p.m. Plates for sale. BBQ, fireworks, music, drink, food and horseshoes. Post is located at 1105 W 22nd Street in Cameron. 

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.

Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant.

Additionally, fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year.

If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

- Never allow young children to handle fireworks

- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

- Never light them indoors

- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

- Never point or throw fireworks at another person

- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

- Never ignite devices in a container

- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

- Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.