MONCKS CORNER, SC – Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis released today a number of safety tips to help the public have a safe and memorable holiday weekend.
“Our Office wishes all residents a safe and happy Independence Day,” said Sheriff Lewis. “While it is a great time of the year to get outside and enjoy activities with family and friends, it is important to remember to stay safe while enjoying the holiday weekend. To that end, our Office would like to share a number of safety tips that are easy to understand and easy to follow.”
Alcohol and Motor Vehicles Safety Tips
· Whenever you plan on using alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give the sober driver your keys.
· If you are impaired – call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
· Wearing your safety belt and using protective gear on your motorcycle is a great defense against an impaired driver.
· Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by calling 911.
· And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with an impaired drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Boating and Water Safety Tips
· Review safe boating practices.
· Set water safety rules for your family.
· Before boating, always ensure there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger.
· Never consume alcohol while driving a boat and avoid riding in a boat with someone who has been drinking alcohol.
· Report impaired boat drivers to Department of Natural Resources or Coast Guard officials.
Fireworks Safety Tips
· Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
· Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by and keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
· Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
· Only light fireworks outside – on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant.
· Never attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
· Never point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others, especially when they are being lit or are lit.
