Fireworks are fun but the Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents to be careful when mixing fireworks and kids. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier is encouraging folks not to let children handle fire crackers and to remain involved in all activities with the young ones for the holiday…:
CUT 4 (05) “at all times”
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.

Fines for littering are now double what they were after Governor Jindal signs into law a measure which stiffens the penalty for trashing up the state. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says it’s not hard to pick up after yourself…:
CUT 8 (06) “ultimate good”
She encourages folks to be sure they pick up disposed fireworks this weekend.

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. Flesh eating bacteria are more prone to grow in brackish water during the summer and State Health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there have been four reported cases so far..:
CUT 11 (07) “15 cases”

Arnaudville’s Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a new beer for the 4th of July holiday and donating proceeds to military families. President Karlos Knott says 45 dollars from every case and keg of 31 Stout purchased will go to families of the 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan…:
CUT 12 (08) “this money”
Knott says 31 Stout will be released on Independence Day at the brewery and throughout the state.