Summer brings construction, fireworks

As many of us are excited that the snow has disappeared and wish the rain would stop, let’s remember that we live in Alaska. It is the opinion of out-of-state people that we live in snow all year long anyway.

I recently went on vacation before the leaves were in full showing, and upon my return it was so beautiful to see all the green. Those of us who have chosen to live here may sometimes take it for granted how beautiful it really is.

It is road construction season, and the Parks Highway from Big Lake Road to the Little Susitna Bridge is in the process of being resurfaced. Most of us dislike pilot cars, but enjoy the end results. The resurfacing project should be complete by the end of August. Please be aware of speed zones that are in affect.

The Fourth of July is coming soon and construction will shut down over the holiday. This will ensure quicker access to your celebration destination, if your plans take you north.

If you plan on purchasing fireworks, please use them responsibly. Celebrate this Fourth of July safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following guidelines for safe handling of fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before using them.

• An average of 40 percent of estimated fireworks-related injuries happen to children younger than 15. Please supervise your young adults and teach them the proper way to ignite fireworks safely.

While thinking about your holiday outing, you may want to check out the Little Susitna campgrounds located just past the bridge in Houston. The campground was voted No. 1 in the Valley for the second year in a row.

Enjoy your summer, and always be safe!

Virgie Thompson has been mayor of Houston since October 2010.