Pierce County Health Department

While fireworks are a beloved tradition during Fourth of July celebrations, they can bring risks. It's best to leave fireworks to professionals because they can be dangerous to people and pets and can also start fires. If you are using fireworks, follow these tips to stay safe:

🎆Experiencing drought, dry conditions, or high winds? Do not use fireworks or sparklers because they may start a fire.
🎆Check local laws. There may be age requirements and restrictions on where and when you can use fireworks.
Never let children handle fireworks and be careful with sparklers. Sparklers can cause serious burns.
🎆Be mindful of your neighbors, pets, and wildlife. Fireworks can disturb people sensitive to loud sounds and frighten pets and wildlife, causing them to run away or become injured.
🎆Choose a safe location. Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from homes, vehicles, dry grass, trees, and anything else that can ignite.
🎆Do not use commercial fireworks. They are extremely powerful and dangerous.
🎆Dispose of fireworks safely. Pour plenty of water on all fireworks after they are completely burnt out.
🎆Stay alert and sober. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Designate a responsible adult to supervise all firework activities.
🎆Handle fireworks safely: Avoid placing body parts over fireworks and never launch fireworks off any part of the body. Do not point or throw fireworks at another person. Never relight or pick up a firework that hasn't fully ignited.

Want to learn more? Visit ready.gov/summer-ready or gatrees.org.

All Southeast Health District sites will be closed on Friday, July 3, in recognition of Independence Day on July 4.

All sites will resume our normal hours of operation on Monday, July 6.

Throughout this weekend and into the early parts of next week, the National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously hot and humid conditions across our sixteen-county health district, with heat index values approaching near record highs for late June.

Current forecasts indicate the potential for heat index values to reach 108°F to 110°F on Sunday and Monday in southeast Georgia.

Keep your cool during extreme heat. ☀️ Wear lightweight clothing, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity during peak temperatures. 👕💦🏠

Monitor your local forecast using your zip code at weather.gov/jax or weather.gov/chs.