Public safety folks busy on the fourth

Napa City and County Public Safety agencies will be working this July 4 to keep residents safe. Public safety officials say the Fourth of July typically brings a higher number of emergency calls, usually involving incidents related to alcohol. Public safety folks want the public to remember a few tips to make it past July 4:

 • Do not drink alcohol and operate any type of machinery, such as a car, truck, boat or lawn equipment.

 • Wear an approved life vest or flotation device when on or near the water.

 • Have a fire extinguisher handy that you know how to use before operating a barbecue.

 • Attend a formally organized fireworks display. Consumer fireworks are not allowed in most cities and the county and an offender can be cited up to $500 for each violation — with the added bonus of potentially being held liable to pay back the cost of fighting a fire if started by fireworks.

 • Wear every piece of safety gear advised for the sport or activity you are participating in.

 • Call 911 at the first sign of a fire, person in distress or other emergency. Do not wait or try to resolve the emergency yourself.

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