The summer fun continues this week as the Fourth of July festivities kick off across the state.  This year marks the 237th year celebrating the freedom and independence of our great nation. We are fortunate in St. Charles County to have many festivals to choose from this holiday weekend to celebrate our nation's birthday. 

Closest to home is the 2013 Riverfest. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m., booths and music open at 5:00 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park.  For more information on Riverfest 2013, check out the event flier.

Also close to home in O’Fallon is the Heritage and Freedom Fest at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.  This celebration lasts all weekend featuring nationally known musicians, a parade, carnival, kids’ activities, food and fireworks.  For more on the O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest visit its website.

Shooting off fireworks can be beautiful, but also quite dangerous. In some parts of St. Charles County, it is legal to shoot off fireworks while in other locations it is acceptable. However, if you choose to do so, you must keep some safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety in mind.

Firework Safety Tips:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks.  Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

While we haven’t had quite the extreme heat that we saw last year, prolonged periods of heat can still be hazardous to your health. Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, with some cases resulting in death. Last year alone 52 people in Missouri died as a result of excessive heat. In preparing for extreme heat, remember to check your air conditioning for proper installation. Also make sure you and other family members, including pets, drink plenty of water. If you plan to head out to any of the Fourth of July festivities, remember to wear loose fitting, light, and light colored clothes along with applying plenty of sunscreen.

As the summer months continue, the temperatures will continue to rise.  The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has put together a list of local cooling centers. Please remember to stay cool this summer and take preventive measures now to keep you safe from the extreme heat.

Enjoy spending time with your family this weekend and be sure to thank those servicemen and women who have fought to keep our independence. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration.

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topics discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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