Safe holiday

The Fourth of July holiday is a time for celebrating the birth of this nation. Traditionally we do so with picnics and fireworks.

Celebrate, but this word of caution: According to estimates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks and other explosive devices killed eight people and sent an estimated 9,600 people to the hospital with injuries in 2004. More than half of those injured were under the age of 15.

Each year, fireworks cause an estimated 20,000 fires in the United States.

Also remember that pets don't derive the same enjoyment from loud booms we humans seem to. A radio or TV turned on indoors can help muffle sounds coming from outside. Your pet doesn't belong at a fireworks display.

So drive safety. Be careful with fireworks. Be sure children are especially careful with fireworks.

It's a day for celebration. Let's keep it that way.