As festivities begin for the Fourth of July, the Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents to exercise caution around their children. Michelle Southern reports.
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”
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Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which now doubles littering fines. Eric Gill reports.
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The Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents and caregivers to be careful with fireworks around children during this weekend’s festivities. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says that although fireworks can be beautiful, adults need to be aware of the danger to children. She cites a statistic in a report from 2013…
CUT 3 (08) “firework related injuries”
Sonnier says around the Independence Day weekend, children under the age of 15 accounted for 40% of firework related injuries according to a 2013 report. She encourages parents to not let children handle fireworks, but also to be directly involved in all activities with their children for the holiday.
Sonnier says parents might consider attending public firework displays with their kids instead of lighting their own because it is often safer…
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Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which will now double the fines for littering in Louisiana. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is asking residents to be mindful when disposing used fireworks and other party debris this weekend. Executive Director Susan Russell says they support anything that increases the enforcement effort.
Currently, a first offense of simple littering can result in a $75 fine and a $500 fine for any other offenses. The new law increases that from $150 to $1,000. Russell says what’s most important is that Louisiana should be kept clean.
CUT 7 (11) “need to be there (2x)”
Improperly disposing items like furniture and appliances could end up costing offenders $10,000 under the new law. Russell says it’s very easy to pick up after yourself.
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While many people will be out on Louisiana’s lakes and rivers this 4th of July, the Department of Health and Hospitals urges folks to be aware of open wounds when swimming. The main culprit to keep in mind is a flesh eating bacteria. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry is warning those out in salt or brackish water this weekend.
The bacteria invades the bloodstream and may cause a severe and potentially life threatening illness. Guidry also advises those with immune deficiencies to avoid eating shellfish because they can carry this bacteria. He says pay attention to wounds that look infected and seek medical help right away.
Guidry says it’s important to get the word out to people to avoid exposure because that’s the best way to prevent new illnesses. He says there have been four reported cases so far in Louisiana.
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