Seasonal & Holidays
Narragansett Police Share July 4 Safety Tips
See important tips for staying safe as you celebrate the July 4 holiday.
NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett Police Chief Sean Corrigan on Friday shared several important safety tips and reminders to prepare residents for the July 4 holiday.
In Rhode Island, only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (sparklers) are legal for use by the public aged 16 or older. Firecrackers, rockets, mortars, or any other device that launches a projectile, makes a bang or detonation are illegal.
Residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:
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- Organized and permitted fireworks displays are safest.
- Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
- Never allow young children to go near fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Never light fireworks indoors. Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
- Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.
In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always call 911.
The Narragansett Police Department also urges residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:
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- Be mindful of pedestrians.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
- Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
- Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
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