City Leaders: Stay Safe This 4th Of July
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- City leaders want to make sure July 4th celebrations are done safely.
Firefighters are reminding people to always use fireworks outside and away from flammable objects. Also, they ask you to never attempt to re-ignite "duds" or fireworks that didn't work the first time.
Make sure to keep a water bucket nearby at all times.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also reminding people to always wear life jackets when on a boat.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also wants boaters to make sure friends and family know where they are.
"If you're going to be out on the water make sure to tell your friends and family that you're going to go to this location and you expect to be back at a certain time. That way if you're not back they know to call for help," said Nicholas Dijiacomo with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
As for fireworks safety, according to the National Fire Protection Association, each year more than 10,000 firework-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms across the nation.
Unfortunately, some people injured or even killed are a result of gunfire.
The "No More Stray Bullets"campaign reinforces that discharging guns in the air is not the way to celebrate July 4th.
"These guns, they don't have eyes. When they go up they are going down somewhere, and we don't want someone coming to your door saying it was your child, your family member that bullet came down on," said Florida Rep. Cynthia Stafford.
Officials say your best bet at enjoying Independence Day, is to choose a professional fireworks display, where you can sit back and just enjoy the show.
