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Make Independence Day unforgettable-in a great way

On July 4th people across the country express their American patriotism by celebrating Independence Day. A quick history refresher- On July 4, 1776, the Promise of Independence was officially adopted, declaring the 13 colonies liberated from England.

“Independence Day is really a festive day to reflect on the privilege of freedom and democracy we enjoy within this country,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Below is a few information you will probably find useful in commemorating this Independence Day.

FIREWORKS- What is legal and what's not?

The 4th of July is all about fireworks.

In Florida, nothing airborne or exploding is legal including shells and mortars, tube devices, Roman candles, rockets as well as firecrackers. Although, you can legally purchase fireworks should you sign a waiver. The waiver states that you'll be using the fireworks to scare away birds from agricultural products or fish hatcheries, based on Florida Today. Lying on the form is really a first-degree misdemeanor.

Illegally using fireworks is another first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by as much as one year in prison along with a $1,000 fine. However, sparklers, snakes and party poppers are legal. Bear in mind, there's still a risk of injury using sparklers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports 8 deaths were brought on by fireworks in 2021 together with 12,900 emergency-room related injuries. Sparklers were the number one reason for injuries.

The South Walton Fire District recommends the following guidelines to light up safely:

Keep a bucket of water near by or a garden hose.

Don't light anything on dry grass, locate a flat surface.

Never attempt to re-light a “dud” and lightweight one item at a time.

Do not use unwrapped items or items which may have been tampered with.

Only purchase fireworks from a licensed vendor.

Light in a wide open area.

Never allow young children to experience or light fireworks.

Keep any part of the body from being directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

Never carry sparklers in your wallet or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

DRIVING

More individuals are killed in car accidents on Independence Day than any other day of the year. “The staggering amount of traffic plays a role in that grim statistic, reminds Buck with Insurance, Florida's top independent homeowners insurance andcar insurance agency.

Along having a high traffic volume, drunk driving contributes to dangerous road conditions. Alcohol also exacerbates dehydration, intensifying the results of alcohol and causing drowsiness. Distraction from fireworks, is likewise a resource of automobile accidents.