Clallam County Fire District 2 officials are encouraging families and individuals to prepare for a safe and memorable Fourth of July by practicing safe grilling and leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

Fire officials are urging residents and visitors to the area to have a fun and safe weekend.

“We are reminding everyone of simple steps they can take to protect their children who are most vulnerable to fire-related burns, injuries and deaths,” fire chief Sam Phillips said.

Leave fireworks to the professionals

• The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.

• Be extra careful with sparklers: Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees.

• Let your young children use glow sticks instead. They can be just as fun but they don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.

• Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Take precautions

• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

• Point fireworks away from homes and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.

Be prepared for an accident or injury

• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.

• If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it.

• Put it out with water and dispose of it.

• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

• If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately call 9-1-1.

• If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.

Grilling fire safety tips

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep, matches, lighters and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: Declare a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.