Local authorities remind citizens to be safe this July 4 weekend whether in the pool, on the roadways, by the grill or handling fireworks.

Salisbury Police officials have the following tips:

• Celebrations on July 4 should never involve guns being shot into the air. Firearms are not fireworks and it is illegal to discharge a firearm within the city limits.

• Firearms and alcohol don’t mix.

• Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using them and always have an adult to supervise fireworks activities. If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.

• Don’t leave your grill unattended. As soon as you fire up the grill, make sure it is attended at all times. The few seconds it may take you to run to get more burgers may be all it takes for children to sustain burns.

• Swimming is fun and a kid-friendly activity, particularly on a holiday weekend. If you are planning to take your kids swimming, make sure they have adequate adult supervision at all times.

The Salisbury Police Department wishes the community a happy and safe fourth of July weekend.

Sheriff Kevin Auten cautions motorists to be safe while traveling this holiday weekend with these tips:

• Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.

• When passing an automobile, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer — giving you an extra few seconds to respond.

• You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise. Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.

• Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.

• Drivers should always “aim high” in steering.  That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you. Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as oncoming ones.

• Never follow too close. Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you substantially longer to stop. Also remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you’re being tailgated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

“Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving. Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones — just get out of their way,” Auten said.

“Let’s make this summer a safe one on the roads in Rowan County,” he added.

— Shavonne Walker