The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office wishes both you and your family a safe and exciting 4th of July holiday!  The 4th of July, known as Independence Day, celebrates our independence as a nation on July 4, 1776.

As you celebrate with friends and family, we would like to remind you to be safe and take precautions to ensure the safety of our community. It is important to remember that fireworks can pose a fire and safety hazard to those who use them.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the following safety tips for fireworks:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always read warning labels and performance descriptions before lighting a firework.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Only light fireworks one at a time.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse, and move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles, and never point/throw fireworks at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

For more information on firework safety, visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

We caution anyone traveling during the holiday to always wear your seat belt and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Instead, plan for a designated driver to get you home safely. Not only do you risk your life when you drive impaired, but you also put the other drivers and passengers you share the roadway with at risk.

If you are gearing up for a fun weekend on the water, remember being a responsible boater creates endless possibilities. Safety isn’t optional, always make sure your life jacket fits properly and your boating gear is in good condition before heading out on the water. There are many dangers to boating under the influence. Protect your life and others – never BUI! Always check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore and have a way to receive alerts as weather conditions can change quickly.

Our deputies will be patrolling both the waterways and roadways this holiday weekend to keep our County safe.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office hopes you and your family have a great 4th of July holiday!

~Sheriff Jeff Shaver