The West Benton Fire Rescue Fire Fighting Crew wishes to share several important safety tips and reminders as the City of Prosser residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice to the City of Prosser Police Department .

Drive Safely

Be mindful of pedestrians.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 41% of the drivers in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — we killed drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, Please! Do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use public transportation, Uber, a Lyft, taxi, grandma or a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see a possible impaired driver on the road, call 911.

Celebrate Safely

Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost.

Boat Safely

Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times.
Be courteous and respectful to other boaters.
Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions.
Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather.
Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check.
Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgement, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats