FIREWORKS SAFETY It’s Independence Day! Feel free to wear all of the red, white and blue you can fit on yourself. But if you’re planning to celebrate freedom by blowing stuff up, use some caution. You’re legally prohibited from shooting fireworks any closer than 150 feet from a structure. And be smart. You could lose a finger.

RING OF FIRE Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA) wants you to know what to do in case you get too close to the grill or the campfire and get singed. If you have a minor burn—or an area of the skin that looks like it’s sunburned—place the area under lukewarm water for 20 minutes, MRTSA Chief Josh Worth said. Avoid ice and cold water and only use burn cream on minor burns. If you have a larger burn, or an area that’s blistering or has skin damage, consult a physician, go to the ER or call 911.

ROOM TO RESPOND When summer guests are visiting, be sure to leave room on the street so first responders can get to you in case of an emergency. Have guests park in the driveway, or close to the curb, and avoid parking directly across from other cars, if possible. Park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant and at least 20 feet from an intersection.

CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY Want to learn what it’s like to be a Mt. Lebanon firefighter? Signups are underway for Mt. Lebanon Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy, which provides a glimpse into the life of a firefighter. You’ll partake in simulations, demonstrations and real-world firefighting scenarios and see firsthand what it’s like to put on that oh-so-heavy gear, while putting out the flames.

The academy, which is open to Mt. Lebanon residents and business owners, runs from September 15 to November 12, with most sessions held on Wednesday nights. A special Saturday class will take place at the Washington County Fire Academy. For more details, and to fill out an application, visit www.mtlfd.org.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY The Mt. Lebanon Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy gives residents an inside look at the workings of the department. The 10-week program begins on September 14 and runs for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings. You’ll get to see the behind the scenes of everything from a traffic stop to a police investigation. The academy also is an opportunity for officers to engage with the community and explain their role. Visit www.mtlebanonpd.org for details.

VACATION CHECKS The Mt. Lebanon Police Department is happy to check in on your home while you’re away. Stop by the Public Safety Building, 555 Washington Road, to pick up a request form. If you have any questions, call 412-343-4143.

LOOKING FOR MEDICS Medical Rescue Team South Authority is hiring. If you or someone you know is interested in working as an EMT or paramedic, have them send an email to hr@mrtsa.com to find out more details.

LOOK UP, LEBO School’s out and everyone is enjoying the outdoors. If you’re behind the wheel, keep an eye out for foot traffic. If you’re on foot, remember to look both ways before crossing the street. In the Washington Road and Beverly business districts, you must cross at the crosswalk and only when you have the walk signal. Be aware of your surroundings; even if you have the right to cross, if two tons of metal in the hands of an inattentive driver is coming your way, step back.

SAFE SWIMMING While you’re making a splash in your pool this summer, remember to keep your personal summer haven safe. Mt. Lebanon Fire Department wants to remind you to make sure to have a fence around your pool and secure the area. Also, keep electrical wires away from the water.

Avoid using copper-based algaecides, which can cause oxidation and stain your pool. Treat algae with chlorine or other non-copper-based algaecides.

Store your pool chemicals appropriately, based on the packaging and do not discard in the trash. Many pool chemicals contain hazardous ingredients, and should be disposed of accordingly.

Don’t rinse your pool filters in a place where the water can drain into the sewer system. Rinse cartridge filters into a container and bag the solid residue and place it in the regular trash after the water has evaporated.

When it comes time to drain the pool, stop chlorinating the water for at least two weeks, and make sure chlorine levels are undetectable.

If you’re installing a hot tub or a pool, either in-ground or above-ground, you need to apply for a permit and schedule an inspection. Learn more on the inspection department’s section of Mt. Lebanon’s municipal website.