The Marion County Sheriff's Department hopes you and your family will enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July holiday. Please remember that fireworks can pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. If you live within a city limits in the county, contact your city hall regarding ordinances concerning fireworks.

You can help prevent injuries by following a few simple safety rules; be sure you are in an open area away from buildings and people, wet down the area, always have a hose or significant water supply ready in case of misfire, and be sure to extinguish spent fireworks and novelties in a bucket of water. If injuries occur, please seek medical help immediately. Take the injured person to the hospital immediately, or, in more serious situations, call 911.

As always, please remember, if your going to drink be responsible and don't drive. For further information regarding our Independence Day and fireworks safety, please visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml.

Sheriff Roger Vickers