While America celebrates its birthday, law enforcement in Brookhaven and Lincoln County will be on the lookout for those who want to overindulge in the party.

“The Brookhaven Police Department will be out in force. We’ll have extra officers out and we will be checking for drunk drivers, and drivers under the influence and people that’s disturbing the peace. We’ll be out in force,” said Chief Kenneth Collins. “If you’re drinking, you might not want to be driving. If you’re drinking and driving, you probably going to wind up going to jail.”

Police officers will also be on the lookout for seatbelt violations.

Collins is discouraging the illegal discharge of fireworks in the city.

“Fireworks are not allowed in the city limits,” he said.

Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing said fireworks are legal in the county, but encourages safe practices when using them.

He also asks that people be considerate of their neighbors who may not appreciate the festive fireworks in the late night and early morning hours.

“Not everybody is off on Friday,” he said.

Deputies will also be out looking for intoxicated drivers.

“We’ll be out trying to protect the people on the roads,” he said.

“We’ll be out trying to protect the people on the roads,” he said.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol began the 2019 Fourth of July Holiday Enforcement Period today at 12:01 a.m. and will conclude Thursday at midnight. All available troopers will be assigned to saturation patrols and checkpoints to promote traffic safety.

During the Fourth of July holiday period in 2018, MHP investigated 61 crashes with two fatalities including a McComb man and made 41 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems.

Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said the risk of fireworks injury is highest for children age 4 and younger with being a leading cause of fireworks injuries. Sparklers can get up to 2000 degrees and cause third degree burns, he said.

He offers the following tips:

• Use common sense: read and follow the directions on each firework.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place.

• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.

• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.

• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass and trees.

• Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.

• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.

• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

• Never give fireworks to small children.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Likewise, play it smart if you choose to grill out or barbecue this week.

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends these grilling safety tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill surface and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.