The INDEPENDENT, June 19, 2008
Page 21
Got fireworks? Here’s how to keep it legal and keep it safe for all
Oregon law bans fireworks
that fly, explode, or travel on
the ground more than 12 feet –
this includes bottle rockets,
Roman candles, firecrackers,
and M80s. To keep it legal, pur-
chase all fireworks at a li-
censed Oregon fireworks
stand. (Fireworks purchased by
mail order, in the State of
Washington or at Native Ameri-
can reservations may be illegal
in Oregon.)
Under Oregon law, officials
can seize illegal fireworks and
you can be fined up to $500 per
More on summer pet hazards
From page 20
Highly concentrated permethrin
can be extremely toxic to cats.
Poisonous Plants;
• Ingestion of even small
amounts of certain plants (such
as rhododendron or azalea,
oleander, lily, or yew) can be
harmful or fatal to a pet. A list of
poisonous plants is available
on our Web site.
• Symptoms of plant poison-
ing include: irritation to skin
and/or mouth, diarrhea, seiz-
ures, unconsciousness, and
vomiting. Note that vomiting is
common after cats or dogs in-
gest plant material. Seek vet-
erinary care especially if vomit-
ing accompanies other symp-
toms.
In case of emergency it’s al-
ways a good idea to have on
hand the phone numbers for
your veterinarian, a local emer-
gency veterinary hospital, and
animal poison control: ASPCA
Poison Control Hotline: 888-
Scholarships
From page 11
Kymberlia Sebring.
Vernonia Lions’ Club ($500);
Mackenzie Carr, Megan Perry.
($1000); Lauren Lason-Dyer,
Cody Davis.
VHS Alumni ($1000); Ash-
ton Yontz.
Wauna Federal Credit Union
($500);
Mackenzie
Carr,
Kelsey King.
Windermere
($500);
Michael Calhoun.
WOEC
Sam
Hearing
($500);
Mackenzie
Carr,
Michael Calhoun, Kelsey King.
Zack Rumbolz Memorial
($5000); Lauren Lason-Dyer.
426-4435 or Pet Poison Help-
line: 800-213-6680.
The Oregon Veterinary Med-
ical Association is a nonprofit
organization of veterinarians
who are dedicated to helping
people give their animals a
high quality of life.
WEATHER REPORT
MAY 2008
DATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
TEMPERATURE
HI
LO
58
69
53
69
71
53
50
53
61
61
53
56
56
70
82
95
92
83
80
59
54
55
56
78
58
62
67
55
59
69
68
PRECIP.
AMT.
29
42
34
34
38
43
39
32
29
43
34
34
44
50
52
42
49
43
45
46
44
43
45
45
49
50
50
45
45
40
48
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
T
--
.02
T
T
.10
T
--
--
--
--
.30
T
.05
T
.01
.02
.07
T
--
--
--
--
--
Temperature and precipitation
amounts are from the official U.S.
weather station at the Vernonia wa-
ter plant. Measurable precipitation in
May totalled .57 inches.
Internet Web Design
503-539-2101
www.VernoniaNorthern.com
©2008
violation and/or arrested. It’s
also important to remember
that you can be held civilly li-
able for damages resulting
from improper use of any fire-
works – legal or illegal. Oregon
law also makes parents liable
for damage caused by their
children and allows fire depart-
ments to charge for the cost of
suppressing fires caused by
fireworks. Additionally, the use
of illegal fireworks constitutes
criminal activity, and your insur-
ance policy may not cover you
if you engage in a criminal act
that results in damage. Note:
Many cities have local noise or-
dinances that prohibit loud
noises during certain hours.
It is a common misconcep-
tion that legal fireworks are less
risky. Even legal fireworks are
dangerous and have caused in-
juries and burns to users, espe-
cially unsupervised children.
Also, during dry summer condi-
tions an errant firework can ig-
nite vegetation, vehicles, even
your roof.
Celebrate safely by using
the following safety tips:
• Only adults should light or
handle fireworks.
• Supervise children at all
times when fireworks are being
used.
• Store fireworks, matches,
and lighters out of the reach of
children.
• Use fireworks outdoors on
a paved surface, away from
buildings, vehicles, and vegeta-
tion. Never point or throw fire-
works at people, pets, or build-
ings.
• Never alter fireworks or
make your own. Homemade
explosives can be deadly!
• Have a hose or bucket of
water nearby to douse misfired
and spent fireworks, and to ex-
tinguish potential fires.
For more safety information,
visit Tualatin Valley Fire & Res-
cue’s website at www.tvfr.com.