Nearly 100,000 people are expected to celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Cleveland and Edgewater Park
CLEVELAND – The Department of Public Safety is reminding citizens that possession and discharge of fireworks is illegal within the City of Cleveland. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration, the Divisions of Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Animal Care and Control are sharing the following safety information:
DIVISION OF POLICE
Travel
Those visiting parks and gathering places where big crowds are expected should allow plenty of time for travel. If you plan to drive to Edgewater Park to watch the fireworks display, please be aware that intermittent road closures are very likely.
Parking
Citizens should expect parking restrictions over the holiday weekend. We encourage residents and visitors to read signs posted in the Downtown area as parking restrictions are likely.
Fireworks, Celebratory Gunfire and Unnecessary Noise
In the City of Cleveland, fireworks are illegal to possess and discharge without a permit. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals to prevent the risk of physical harm, accidental fires, and damage to property.
Celebratory gunfire is extremely dangerous. Firing weapons irresponsibly can cause death, serious injury and damage to property.
Unnecessary loud noise is prohibited and violators could be cited based on the extent of evidence in each case.
Child Safety
When attending crowded events with children, it is important to establish a family reunification point should they become separated. If a child is lost in a crowd, call 9-1-1 and report them missing to law enforcement. If a child separates from their family, they should look for someone in uniform for help. Watch children closely at events where fireworks are used. Never let children handle fireworks.
DIVISION OF FIRE
Grilling Safety
Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors, at least three feet away from a home, deck railings and away from eaves or overhanging tree branches. Keep kids and pets at least three feet from a hot grill. Never leave a grill unattended. Remember to start a gas grill with the lid open and shut it off at the tank upon completion. Never add lighter fuel or flammable liquid to the flames of a charcoal grill. Let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
Fire Hydrant Safety
Do not open fire hydrants for any reason. An open hydrant can diminish the amount of water available for a fire emergency.
DIVISION OF EMS
Heat Emergencies
Heat-related emergencies occur when the body is unable to cool itself anymore and is most common when someone becomes dehydrated, and the weather is hot and humid. The elderly, very young and people with chronic medical conditions are the most susceptible.
There are 3 types of heat emergencies:
Heat cramps: Muscle cramps in the abdomen, arms and legs, and can be treated by stopping activity, moving to a cool location, drinking fluids.
Heat exhaustion: Characterized by weakness, headache, dizziness and possible nausea and vomiting. Any of these symptoms should be treated by stopping activity, removing clothing, passively cooling the person and providing fluids.
Heat stroke: Medical emergency with symptoms similar to a stroke, causing confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, seizures and unresponsiveness. If this occurs call 9-1-1 immediately and attempt to quickly cool the person.
Do your best to avoid becoming overheated. Wear loose clothing, stay in a cool location if possible, and drink plenty of fluids. Check in on the elderly and watch children closely. These emergencies can come on and progress quickly; if you see any signs of heat illness in yourself or others, be sure to stop activity and cool down.
DIVISION OF ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
- We encourage our citizens to be mindful of the pets in the warmer weather:
- Leave your pets inside if there are fireworks as loud noises may cause them to run away.
- Never leave your pet in the car.
- Keep your pets indoors when it is extremely hot.
- When outside, make sure your pets always have access to water and shade.
- Don’t let your pets linger on hot asphalt, it can burn their paws. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws.
- Watch for signs of heat stress: increased thirst, excessive panting, pasty saliva, unresponsive/confused.
The City of Cleveland and its Safety Divisions are working around the clock to ensure a safe holiday for all visitors and residents. These efforts are part of Mayor Bibb’s Summer Safety Plan, a comprehensive All-Of-Government approach to reducing crime citywide.
Other safety efforts led by the Bibb Administration include expanding the City’s SAFE SMART CLE camera sharing program; expanding ShotSpotter technology to all five neighborhood police districts; and expanded partnerships with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Marshals Service, and other agencies at all levels for additional resources and personnel towards targeted hotspots and coordinated violence reduction tactics. The Administration continues to urge residents, businesses, and community partners to help keep Cleveland safe by signing up for the Safe Smart CLE Program.
Citizens are encouraged to contact law enforcement to report illegal or suspicious activity. If you have information that may assist investigators in apprehending wanted individuals or wish to report criminal activity, please call 9-1-1 in an emergency or (216) 621-1234.
