Louisville Metro Urging Safety On Fourth Of July

As Louisville residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Louisville Metro Government officials are urging residents to stay safe – including those attending outdoor events amid a heat index that could reach 110 degrees.

In addition, Louisville Fire officials discouraged residents from using consumer fireworks, which can be dangerous, and instead attend a public display by trained professionals. This year, the Louisville Waterfront Fourth celebration will feature free musical entertainment, family activities, a patriotic installation of 15,000 U.S. flags, festival cuisine and a Zambelli fireworks display from a barge on the Ohio River. https://louisvillewaterfront.com/plan-your-visit/calendar/waterfront-fou…

Celebrations are also planned at Historic Locust Grove and in the Crescent Hill neighborhood on the grounds of the Peterson-Dumesnil House.

“Independence Day is a wonderful time to celebrate our great country and spend time with our family, friends and neighbors,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I want to encourage people to take precautions, so they can still enjoy the Fourth and keep themselves and their family safe.”

Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and those with chronic medical conditions.  City officials advised residents to use air conditioning and limit outdoor and strenuous activity; wear light, loose-fitting clothing; check on family and neighbors; drink plenty of water and don’t leave people or pets in a car for any period of time.

In addition, watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:

• Exhaustion
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Dizziness
• Stroke
• No sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Headache

To help residents cool off, Louisville Parks and Recreation officials said three pools are open on July 4 for those who need to cool off: Algonquin, Fairdale and Norton (Camp Taylor). Also, more than 30 spray grounds will be open.

Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District issued a reminder that it is illegal in Louisville Metro to shoot off airborne and/or exploding fireworks in your yard or neighborhood. They are also not permitted in public parks.

Fireworks cause an average of nearly 18,500 reported fires each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Thousands of people, most often children, are injured while using fireworks, including sparklers.

Capt. Salvador Melendez of the Louisville Division of Fire recommends that residents follow the following safety tips:

• Leave fireworks to the professionals.
• Do not use consumer fireworks.
• Do not allow children to pick up leftover fireworks, as they may still be active.