The Troy Police Department wants to remind everyone to have a fun, but safe, Fourth of July according to information released by Chief Anthony Everage Tuesday.

Chief Everage advised, "TPD officers will be out patrolling throughout the city and helping people have a safe holiday. We are going to be emphasizing traffic safety and fireworks safety."

Sunday night July 4th at 8:30 p.m., there will be a fireworks show at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The City of Troy will host the event and it is the best way for people to enjoy fireworks in Troy this year.

It is illegal to buy, sell and/or discharge fireworks in the Troy City Limits.

If a person lives outside the City Limits of Troy and discharges fireworks, they should make sure it is legal in that geographical area. They should always use extra caution when discharging fireworks. Be aware of the dangers of fireworks. The serious injury to people and the damage to property they can cause. Fireworks are explosives and discharging them should be done with extreme caution. They can set property on fire thereby destroying or damaging it. Grass and forests are usually dry this time of year due to the lack of rain and could easily catch fire. Even with the recent showers in our area we still need to be on the alert for this problem.

While fireworks are one of the potential hazards of the holiday, there are other potential dangers people also need to be aware of in Troy. According to Chief Everage, there will be an increase in traffic during the holiday weekend in and around Troy. People need to be aware there's a greater chance a person may be involved in a motor vehicle accident during this time. Drivers need to be aware of other drivers and drive defensively. TPD officers will be looking for drivers violating traffic laws, especially those involving alcohol. We urge all motorits to obey traffic laws and be mindful of the increased traffic on the streets and roads in Troy.

Motorists should give themselves plenty of time to arrive at their destination. Make sure seat belts are worn at all times while traveling and make sure children are in a proper child restraint.

Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage and the Troy Police Department wishes everyone a safe and fun 4th of July holiday weekend.