Be mindful of the heat; plan ahead for July 4th safety

Fireworks illegal in Arizona, should be left to professionals

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Tempe Fire Department and Tempe Police Department will be on hand at Tempe Beach Park on Friday as TruWest Credit Union presents the CBS 5 Tempe Town Lake Festival.

Take precautions because of heat
An estimated 50,000 people will attend the festival and 100,000 more will watch the grandest fireworks show in Arizona from the surrounding area. In preparation, the Tempe Fire Department recommends that participants consume plenty of water prior to and during the event.
Light-colored clothing and sunscreen are highly recommended, and sealed bottles of water are permitted in the event.

Gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The event concludes at 11 p.m. For festival attractions, tickets and parking information, go to www.tempe4th.com or call 480-350-5189. For traffic and bus details, visit www.tempe.gov/tim.

Fireworks safety
Tempe Fire officials also warn about the dangers of fireworks, which are illegal in Arizona. They recommend keeping families safe by leaving the handling of fireworks to professionals.

U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat an estimated 9,200 people each year for fireworks-related injuries, including burns and lacerations.

Additional information on fireworks safety can be obtained by calling the Tempe Fire Department at 480-858-7230 or from the National Fire Protection Association at www.NFPA.org.