NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2006
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

FIREWORKS SAFETY CRITICAL IN DRY CONDITIONS

      “BE VERY CAREFUL.  USE GREAT CAUTION” – These are the words of advice going out reference the personal use of fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa County Public Safety Department, and the local Fire Chief’s Association are stressing that dry conditions and fireworks can be a dangerous combination.

    Okaloosa County has not banned the use of personal fireworks this holiday, but anyone who decides to buy and use them should keep in mind that extra safety precautions are in order due to a lack of significant rainfall in recent weeks. Also remember, the basic rule is  - if it explodes or goes up into the air, it is illegal in Florida . Of course, the safest alternative is to take advantage of local municipal fireworks displays planned in Okaloosa County.

      However, if you do use personal fireworks, Ocean City-Wright Fire Chief Randy Brown says have a pail of sand or bucket of water on hand to put the firework remnants in. If the fireworks are not hand-held, use them on concrete or some other inflammable surface, not near any vegetation. 

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