STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 30, 2020-As the community readies to enjoy a different type of Fourth of July across the Yampa Valley, the City of Steamboat Springs offers some tips and advice to help celebrate the holiday safely.
“We all look forward to the July 4th holiday,” said Interim Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “However, many of the activities we enjoy over the long weekend bring dangers and severe consequences we shouldn’t lose sight of. Additionally, with the resurgence of COVID cases, the safety of our community lies in everyone’s hands.”
This summer’s celebration is unique with enhanced concerns around COVID-19. While some traditional holiday events have been canceled, others have developed new twists. But regardless of the activity, adhering to the Five Commitments for Containment remain paramount. These include maintaining six-foot physical distance; washing hands often; using mask in public, staying home if sick; and getting tested immediately if COVID-19 symptoms appear.
FIREWORKS - While the professional show has been canceled, don’t take filling this void into your own hands by providing your neighborhood a personal firework show. Fireworks that leave the ground, explode or fragment, and similar more powerful fireworks are illegal in Colorado. Illegal fireworks include but are not limited to bottle rockets, cherry bombs, firecrackers, rockets and shells, roman candles, mortars, missile boxes, and M-100 or M-80 devices. Please refrain from setting off personal fireworks. Please Respect Vets, Pets & Neighbors.
Remember, even permitted fireworks can be dangerous and caution should be used. For example, sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and children have received sever burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
While the fire rating is currently MODERATE for Routt County, keep in mind that conditions are drying out quickly and much of Colorado is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Campfires should be in designated areas, never left unattended and extinguished fully.
YAMPA RIVER - Rafters, kayakers and SUPers, should always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and practice river safety. While recent Yampa River flows have dropped to 300 cfs, caution should be use around the river as unseen or unwater hazards may exist. Please be vigilant around the river’s edge and other waterways. If venturing into the river, please:
- Never Boat/Kayak/Raft/SUP/Tube/Swim Alone
- Wear A Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Be Prepared For Extremes In Weather
- Never Mix Alcohol and River Use
- Don’t leave trash such as popped tubes along riverbanks
- Watch Out For Your Dog & Use Caution along River Edge
- Carry A First Aid Kit And Know How To Use It.
PETS - With loud noises and increased activity over the holiday, the shelter receives several stray animals. To help your pet get reunited quickly, the Routt County Humane Society suggests the following:
- Take your pet for long walk during the morning/early afternoon. It helps them get exercise, tires them out and they take care of business. That evening, they can remain indoors where it’s cool, calm and quiet.
- DO NOT leave pets in vehicles or unattended in town.
- Never use fireworks around your pets
- Ensure your pet is wearing an identification collar with current contact details. Many pets also get a microchip as an added step.
- Report Animal Issues
- An animal complaint or animal emergency, contact Steamboat Springs Animal Control at 970.879.1144.
- For a lost or missing animal, call the Routt County Humane Society Animal Shelter at 970.879.7247 with a description of your pet, their name and your contact information.
GRILLING - According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 73 percent of consumers grill on the Fourth of July. In addition, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics shows July is the peak month for grilling fires. Roughly 9,600 home grill fires were reported per year and all types of grills pose a risk for fires and burn injuries.
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- Position away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended.
- Keep clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
WILDLIFE - It’s common to see moose, bear, deer, elk, fox, raptors and other wildlife while around town. Colorado Parks & Wildlife indicated that the most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave the animals alone. Keep your distance and do not approach animals – help keep wildlife wild!
In addition, bears have opened vehicle doors to access food, even the smallest amounts, and can do considerable damage if trapped inside. A good practice is to lock all doors and ensure no food is left in the vehicle.
BE ALERT - While Steamboat enjoys a small-town vibe, please always be alert, use common sense and if you see something that’s not quite right, say something. Call 9.1.1. for emergencies and Routt County’s non-emergency number, 970.879.1144, for other incidents.
The City of Steamboat Springs would like to thank residents and guests for their cooperation and wishes everyone a safe and wonderful Fourth of July celebration. All events associated with the July 4th in Steamboat Springs can be found at www.steamboatchamber.com.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Chuck Cerasoli, Interim Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Cory Christensen, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email