Mississippi emergency agency urges Fourth of July safety amid heat

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urged residents to observe safety precautions during Fourth of July activities in a post on its Facebook page. The agency said dangerous heat is expected across much of Mississippi during the holiday weekend and advised measures to reduce risk from heat and common celebration hazards.

MEMA recommended practicing fireworks safety and keeping a bucket of water or a hose nearby. The post also warned against leaving grills unattended and urged people to keep children and pets at a safe distance from cooking areas.

The agency advised swimming only in designated areas and to always supervise children around water. To cope with high temperatures, MEMA told people to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces.

MEMA also asked residents to check on older adults, neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling and cautioned never to leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency coordinates preparedness and response across the state. We will provide more information as it becomes available.