by DAVID HAMILTON

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Local law enforcement officials say they want Natchez area residents to have fun this Fourth of July — but what officials want even more is for residents to be safe.

Natchez Police Sgt. Jerry Ford and Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten both said with some common sense residents can stay out of harm’s way while celebrating.

First, shooting off fireworks is — by ordinance — not allowed within Natchez city limits, Ford said.

“We encourage the public to please go to a safe location outside the city and pop their fireworks,” Ford said.

While Adams County has no such ordinance, Patten asked those shooting off fireworks to be “extremely vigilant” and for parents to supervise their children’s activity.

Ford echoed that sentiment.

“We encourage parents to make sure that when they have children who are conducting fireworks, to be with their kids and make sure that they supervise them when they are popping the fireworks so they can be safe,” Ford said. “We don’t advise anyone to leave their children unattended.”

Additionally, Patten asked people to be respectful of their neighbors when celebrating the holiday.

“(People) don’t need to be pointing (fireworks) at anybody’s house, and they don’t need to be pointing them at each other,” Patten said.

Though the county is not currently under a burn ban, Ford and Patten both said to look out for and avoid especially dry areas when using fireworks.

“The grass and shrubbery is pretty dry right now, so it will burn pretty easily,” Ford said.

Patten cited data from the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) that says an average of $43 million in property damage occurs yearly from fires started by fireworks, with approximately 18,500 such cases reported each year.

Ford and Patten also both urged the public to exercise good judgment and have a plan logistically.

“If you’re choosing to drink, do it in the comfort of your home if you don’t have a designated driver,” Patten said. “Or, there’s Uber, Lyft and taxis that people can use.

“If you don’t, we’ll have a taxi that will bring you to us.”

Patten said the sheriff’s office would utilize a grant that allows for the deployment of additional deputies during what he called “blitz periods,” which include holidays such as the Fourth of July.

Patten also said no alcohol-related fatalities have occurred — to his knowledge — within the county in the last year and a half, and he wants to keep it that way.

“We need you to be responsible for yourself and others.”

The police department, Ford said, also will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.

He warned that those who choose to drink and drive would face a steep price.

“If they are caught, then they will go to jail,” Ford said.

Finally, both officials urged people to heed a new state law that went into effect Saturday, which requires seat belt use by all people within a vehicle, front or back seat.

Ford also noted passengers would no longer be permitted to ride in the beds of pickup trucks. Though the new legislation does not contain specific language that restricts riding in truck beds, those passengers would be violating the law by not wearing a seat belt.

“We’re just going to make sure the public is aware of the new (law),” Ford said. “It’s for their safety, to protect themselves and loved ones.”

Ford said the department would be enforcing the law “not just over the holidays but going forward as well.”

Both law enforcement officials stressed their respective departments’ main priority is to keep people safe during the holiday celebration.

“Everybody have a good time, spend the Fourth of July with your family — but be safe,” Patten said.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit the NCFS website at www.fireworkssafety.com.