June 18, 2008
FIREWORKS SAFETY/ORDINANCE
With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, the Midland Fire Department wants to remind everyone of the laws in place regarding fireworks.
The Midland Fire Department will be actively enforcing the NO FIREWORKS ORDINANCE. It is illegal to store, possess, or discharge fireworks in the City limits or within 5,000 feet of the City limits including the windowpane areas located around the city limits. Tickets are written for violation of this ordinance and the fines range as high as $2,000. Fireworks will be seized from those who are caught with them in their possession.
There are many injuries, as well as fires, each year that result from fireworks. The Midland Fire Department encourages everyone to attend public fireworks displays and to have a safe holiday. Public displays are scheduled at the CitiBank Ball Park and a laser light show Downtown.
Fireworks are dangerous and we encourage citizens to avoid consumer fireworks for the following reasons:
- This year has been a record year for grass fires in Midland County. To date a reported 16,904 acres have burned, 11 structures lost to fire, and five injuries reported. This is an unusual year and we cannot stress enough for citizens to avoid consumer fireworks completely this year. There are 111 counties with a burn bans in effect along with exhausted and depleted fire fighting resources.
- Based on the amount of time and quantities in use, fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. Although cigarettes are the leading cause of fire death, the risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is higher relative to the corresponding risk when cigarettes are burning (NFPA.org).
- On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Also be reminded that it is against the law to shoot off fireworks on public roadways or along State Highways. Fireworks may be discharged only on private property outside the City limits with the permission of the owner.
Do not let this Fourth of July leave memories of a disaster. Avoid consumer fireworks!
CAMP SHRIVER
Be a part of the first Camp Shriver to be held in Midland! Forty participants will be selected for the camps to be held July 14-18, 2008, and July 21-25, 2008, at Washington Park. The camp will run Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Global Sports Camp (Camp Shriver) offers an opportunity for individuals ages 12-25 with intellectual disabilities, and for those without disabilities, to learn new sports skills; improve their individual sport performance; participate in individual and team sports; build friendships; and have fun with partners who have signed on and been trained as Camp Shriver volunteers and staff.
Camp Shriver will offer a variety of activities and sports options during the two-week day camp experience. Depending on the location, sports and activities offered will include: soccer, kickball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, bocce, swimming, and softball. In addition, the campers will have the option to participate in arts and crafts activities, and will participate in at least one field trip.
Camp is limited to 40 campers and partners selected on a first come, first serve basis. Campers with intellectual disabilities must be able to function independently of their primary care giver, demonstrate appropriate behavior and respond to directions.
Partners should be within approximately the same age group as the campers (12-25). They will work one-on-one with the athletes during the Camp and participate in all activities. Volunteers will assist with basic camp management. Duties include: setting up sports venues, assisting with snack and lunch time, and working directly with campers and partners to troubleshoot.
Registration Fee: $25 per week for campers (free for partners and volunteers). Scholarships are available.
Contact Margaret Muston/Special Olympics at 684.5024 for more information.
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