Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Fireworks Safety Tips

As the July 4th holiday approaches, Alexander Rescue Squad would like to remind you of some general fireworks safety tips to ensure that you and your loved one stay safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

  • Always read and follow label directions.
  • Have an adult present.
  • Buy from reliable sellers.
  • Use outdoors only.
  • Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
  • Stay away from illegal explosives.

We wish you all a safe and happy 4th of July!!!

NCDOT Permanently Closing Two Railroad Crossings in Alexander County

The N.C. Department of Transportation will permanently close two railroad crossings in Stony Point:
  • The Lodge Hall Court (State Road 1483) railroad crossing will be closed on July 13.
  • The Thomas Lane (State Road 1487) railroad crossing will be closed on July 14.

Signs alerting motorists of the closure will be posted this week. Both crossings are being closed because they are redundant due to their close proximity to the nearby intersections at N.C. 90 and Ruritan Park Road and were identified for closure as part of an Area Crossing Study. The closings are part of NCDOT’s overall effort to work with communities to reduce the number of redundant, high-accident or low volume rail/highway at-grade crossings throughout the state.

LODGE HALL COURT CROSSING: Once closed, the area to the south of the Lodge Hall Court crossing can be accessed from N.C. 90. The north side of the crossing can be accessed from Ruritan Park Road (State Road 1488). The crossings at Shuford Road and Linda Lane/ Fire Lane were improved earlier this year as a part of this corridor project.

THOMAS LANE CROSSING: Once closed, the area to the south side of the Thomas Lane crossing can be accessed from NC 90. The north side of the crossing can be accessed from Ruritan Park Road (State Road 1488). The crossings at Shuford Road and Linda Lane/ Fire Lane were improved this year as a part of this corridor project.

Since 1993, NCDOT has closed more than 155 public at-grade rail crossings.