How to keep you and your fur babies safe this Fourth of July

It's almost time to fire up those grills, slather some mustard on your hotdog, and kick back with your friends and family as you watch the Fourth of July parade and gaze at the plethora of fireworks lighting up the night’s sky.

But don’t ignite those firecrackers and smoke bombs just yet.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), firecrackers were the No. 1 cause of fireworks-related accidents in 2019.

The following will provide information on using fireworks within the city limits and how to keep you and your pets safe during the Fourth of July.

GRANBURY FIREWORKS LAWS

According to a news release from granbury.org in 2018, the use, possession or sale of fireworks within the city limits is illegal.

“The biggest thing that we always have to remind people is that you also cannot light fireworks in public access areas like charter school parking lots, the middle of the road, the road in front of your house or any of the parks,” said Hood County Fire Marshal Jeff Young, referring to areas outside the city limits. “BRA (Brazos River Authority) does not like fireworks being shot over the water so if they catch you shooting them over water, they'll issue a citation. If we find people shooting them in public access areas, they could also receive a citation.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY, COURTESY

Young advised individuals to not light a firework in their hand and to have water or some kind of suppression on standby in case of a fire.

“The last thing I would encourage people to do is be courteous of their neighbors,” he said. “Lighting fireworks off after 11 o'clock sometimes makes people a little upset. We will probably have 200 fireworks calls over the third and fourth of July.”

Young said he will have three to four deputies from the Hood County Fire Marshal’s Office on duty around July 4, to help field fireworks calls.

“The SO (Hood County Sheriff’s Office) and the PD (Granbury Police Department) will probably still get run into the ground answering those,” he said.

To report an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, please call (817) 579-3308 and report the problem to dispatch.

PET SAFETY TIPS

Although many people enjoy the loud and booming fireworks and the flashing lights during the Fourth of July, it can be terrifying for pets.

Sandi Walker, owner of Second Chance Farm in Granbury, said that more dogs are frightened and become lost during holidays with fireworks and during bad storms.

"If you can keep your dog indoors in a quiet spot, maybe with the TV or music on, they will feel safer,” she said. “Make sure windows are closed and blinds are pulled, too. Don’t wait for the first boom to scare them. Get them in ahead of time and give them a special chew or toy for a distraction.”

She said a ThunderShirt or something similar to wrap around your pet can make them feel safe and secure. CBD oil has also had great results in calming dogs for fireworks and storms.

“Microchips are always a good idea to have but they can’t be scanned when vets and shelters are closed for the holidays so having your phone number on the dog’s tag AND written on the collar is good to have for a quicker return. Get these made ahead of time and make sure your information is current with the microchip company,” Walker said.

Contrary to popular belief, individuals should not rely on a fence to keep in a terrified dog. Some dogs can dig under, climb over or even chew a hole in a fence to get out.

Walker said these tips will work for cats as well.

“Even some livestock need to be watched since they can run through fences in fear trying to get away,” she added. “Protect your animals. They rely on us for that!”