Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

An Outer Banks Fourth of July is so much fun! It’s is a beautiful beach or boat day, and the night sky is going to be clear for the fireworks shows in Corolla, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, and Avon. 

Here's where and when to find the fireworks.

4th of July Fireworks

Avon Fishing Pier, 41001 N.C. Highway 12, Avon, Hatteras Island, 9 p.m.

Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island Festival Park, 9 p.m.

Nags Head Fishing Pier, 3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 11.5, Nags Head, 9:25 p.m.

Avalon Pier, 2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills, 9:15 p.m.

Historic Corolla Park, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, 9 p.m.

For more 4th of July events, click here.

While you’re out there celebrating America’s birthday, be sure to keep safety in mind as you celebrate. Here are a few tips:

Heat Safety

• While the temperatures are forecast for the low to mid-80s for our coastal region, the humidity makes the heat index higher than that. The heat index is what the temperature feels like to your body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature.
• Be careful about sun exposure. Wear sunscreen and be indoors or under shade as much as possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeinated, sugary or alcoholic drinks in the sun.
• Wear a wide hat and lightweight clothing.
• Watch for symptoms of heat stroke: headache, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, seizure, flushed hot skin that is not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations. 
• Pets can get heatstroke too. Make sure they have water and shade.

Beach Safety

• Learn about rip currents and how to get out of them. Watch a video about rip currents and ocean safety here.
• Swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguarded beaches can be found here.
• Sign up for beach safety alerts on OBXAlerts.com
• Digging deep holes is very dangerous as the holes can collapse on people. If you do dig any holes, even shallow holes, always fill them back in for the safety of humans and wildlife.

Boating Safety

• If you're boating for the fireworks, do an overall safety check make absolutely certain your running lights are working before you head out. 
• A spotlight is useful for night boaters. The spotlight can help you avoid crab pots, nets and other hazards if you need to boat outside of the channels.
• Boat sober. It is illegal to boat while intoxicated. Always designate a sober driver, not just for the car but for the boat as well. Increased law enforcement will be on the water on the 4th of July looking for intoxicated boaters.
• Make sure there is a life jacket on board for every passenger. Wear them. Be sure you have all safety equipment on board, including a throwable flotation device.
• File a float plan with someone on shore. Let them know where you're going and when you plan to be back.

Fireworks Safety

• Personal fireworks are illegal in North Carolina, so leave them to the professionals. The Outer Banks frequently experiences strong breezes and occasional high winds—and many of the year-round residences and rental properties in the area contain wooden shingles, wooden decks and wooden walkways that lead from the beach or waterfront back to the property. This setup of wind, wood, dry dune grass and fireworks is a dangerous combination. Some towns are more restrictive than others. See the picture below.

• If you plan to head out to watch the town-sponsored fireworks, keep in mind that these a big, professional shows that you can see for miles. You don’t necessarily have to be right at the launching site to enjoy them. Go to the beach a few accesses away to avoid the crowds or watch from your house if possible.
• Traffic is usually insane around the fireworks launch sites. It’s more convenient to walk or bike, if possible, to avoid driving in the traffic.
• If you walk or bike on the bike path or road at night, always bring a flashlight for every person and make sure your bikes have reflectors so cars can see you.
• Always cross the road at crosswalks or stoplights. No jaywalking – especially at night!
• Do not assume that cars can see you, even if you have lights. Cars crossing bike paths from driveways to the roadway do not always stop, so you should always stop first.
• Biking un the influence is illegal in North Carolina and can be punishable by the same criminal penalties as driving while intoxicated.
• Beach bonfires are fun on the 4th, but they are not allowed in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Nags Head and Cape Hatteras National Seashore allow bonfires, but you must get a permit. For more info click here.

Have fun out there! 

For the full rundown of events and happenings all around the Outer Banks, from Corolla to Ocracoke, check our Daytime and Nightlife listings.