The first organized Fourth of July celebration in the United States happened in 1777 and has continued for nearly 250 years. As families prepare to celebrate the patriotic holiday, the Lone Star College Police Department asks everyone to keep safety in mind when planning holiday festivities.
“The Fourth of July is marked with fireworks, barbecue, binge-watching TV shows and movies and other fun activities, but it is important to keep safety in mind to ensure we all enjoy a safe and fun holiday,” said Paul Willingham, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Public Safety and chief of police.
The Fourth of July commemorates the founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence July 2, 1776, which was adopted two days later (July 4). In 2023, Americans spent nearly $10 billion to celebrate the federal holiday with even more expected this year. The LSC Police Department offers tips to keep you and your family safe during the patriotic holiday.
- Stay hydrated with water and limit alcoholic beverages when outdoors.
- Always grill outside and away from buildings, objects, humans and pets.
- Institute a buddy system to stay aware and alert.
- Fireworks are not toys and only responsible adults should handle them where it is legal.
- Shoot fireworks pointed up and beyond the eave or driveway and away from people.
- Do not shoot guns in the air. What goes up must come down.
The Fourth of July became a federal holiday June 28, 1870, almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Visit the Red Cross for more Fourth of July safety resources.
“Remember, fireworks and alcohol do not mix. I have seen people with third-degree burns, damaged eyes and other similar injuries in my years of responding to Fourth of July medical emergencies,” said Willingham. “We encourage everyone to celebrate with their favorite activities and we hope these tips will help them avoid dangerous pitfalls.”
The Lone Star College Police Department provides law enforcement services at all LSC locations. They are commissioned by the state of Texas and nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. LSC police officers have the same authority as other law enforcement officers statewide. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Police.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.