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PRESS RELEASES - JULY 2008

July 2, 2008

Fireworks on the Lake, Annual Independence Day Parade
City Works to Ensure Safety, Fun in Arlington

The City of Arlington is putting the focus on public safety during this year’s Independence Day holiday celebrations.

The Emergency Operations Center is expecting an estimated 20,000 spectators to visit Lake Arlington on Thursday, July 3, for Light Up The Lake.

About 30,000 are expected to line the streets of downtown Arlington for the 43rd Annual Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 4.

With heat and larger crowds being forecast for holiday celebrations in Arlington, the Emergency Operations Center will deploy the Fire Department Mobile Incident Command Center and Police Department Mobile Command Unit for the Thursday night fireworks show at the lake and Friday morning parade.

Police recreational vehicles, emergency rescue boats, medical personnel, first aid and extra traffic control measures are also being deployed for July 3 and July 4. For more details about the free events, visit the City of Arlington website at www.arlingtontx.gov.

“We’re working to provide a highly visible emergency response,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Ben Patterson. “We want everyone to have fun, and safety is our main priority.”
The public is reminded to be safe on the lake; avoid heat related illness:

Set water safety rules for the whole family.
Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating.
Watch the weather and prepare for electrical storms. Know local weather conditions, and stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Protect your skin from violent UV rays. Wear sunscreen.
Drink water. Carry water or juice and drink even if you do not feel thirsty.
Eat small meals. Eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down. Take time out to find a cool place.
Call 911 for emergencies.

For more boating and heat safety tips, visit the American Red Cross web site at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html.

Watch the July 4 Parade on Arlington Cable Channel 16 and www.arlingtontx.gov/webcast