City of Charlotte encourages safe and fun July Fourth celebrations

Britt Clampitt
brittany.clampitt@charlottenc.gov
7/3/2018

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 3, 2018) – With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the City of Charlotte is working to ensure residents and visitors to the Queen City are able to celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly.

Celebrate Charlotte's 250th anniversary

All community members and visitors are invited to celebrate as the City of Charlotte turns 250 this year.

The yearlong CLT250 celebration will kick off on Tuesday, July 3, at Memorial Stadium with the Charlotte Star Spangled Spectacular presented by Regions. Free family festivities will begin at 6 p.m. A 20-minute, high-altitude fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Through CLT250, the Charlotte community will recognize the city's past, understand the present and work together to imagine the future. Visit clt250.com for more information.

Fourth of July Safety

Public safety officials are sharing recommendations to ensure everyone has a safe and fun holiday.

The Charlotte Fire Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) recommend the following safety tips for Charlotte residents and visitors during holiday festivities:

  • If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts.
  • Do not use consumer fireworks.
  • Abide by all applicable fireworks and alcohol laws.
  • Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used.
  • Report any suspicious activity.

Medic provides additional health safety information for the Fourth of July:

  • Avoid heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of water.
  • If any person is unconscious or has a markedly abnormal mental status, such as dizziness, confusion, hallucinations or coma, contact 911. These may be signs of heat stroke.
  • It is especially important to pay close attention to elderly people and young children during extreme temperatures. They are most vulnerable to heat-related stress and/or injury.
  • The Fourth of July is the busiest boating day of the year. Do not drink and boat.
  • Care begins as soon as you call 911. Emergency medical dispatchers at Medic are prepared to walk you through life-saving skills while help is on the way.

Millions of people will be on the roads over the Fourth of July holiday. Here are five tips from the Charlotte Department of Transportation for safe travel:

  • Buckle seat belts and observe speed limits.
  • Do not drink and drive.
  • Pay full attention to the road. Don't use a cell phone to call or text.
  • Use caution in work zones.
  • Clean the vehicle's lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches or during inclement weather.

Additionally, drivers in uptown Charlotte should expect traffic delays during festivities as well as heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destination. 

City preparations for July Fourth

City of Charlotte offices will close Wednesday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)        

On Wednesday, July 4, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will operate buses, trains and streetcar on a Sunday schedule in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

The seasonal Ramsey Park Beach shuttle will also be in operation.

The CATS Pass Sales & Information offices at the Charlotte Transit Center and the CATS Call Center will be closed.

On Thursday, July 5, CATS will resume its normal schedule. Customers can find schedule information by visiting ridetransit.org or by calling 704-366-RIDE(7433).

Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT)

A number of road races, parades and other events will take place in Charlotte during the holiday. Road closure information can be found on the CDOT Street Use and Event Notice (SUN).

CharMeck 311

CharMeck 311 offices will be closed Wednesday.

CharMeck 311's normal hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Outside regular business hours, callers can report water, sewer, stormwater and animal issues via an automated service that dispatches assistance. Many service requests can be made online 24/7. Please call 911 for any emergencies.

Solid Waste Services

The City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services will operate on a normal schedule during the Fourth of July holiday. Customers should prepare garbage, yard waste, bulky waste and recycling for their normal collection day. The week of July 4 is a green week for recycling collection.

If customers decide to grill out, they should not place hot coals in garbage bags or rollout carts. Coals should be placed in a metal container to let them cool before bagging and disposing.

To ensure collection, do not park cars on the street or block rollout carts.

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The City of Charlotte provides services to more than 800,000 residents. The City's focus areas are Community Safety, Housing and Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, Environment and Transportation & Planning. For the latest news about city government, visit the Citywide Newsroom. From our website, you can sign up to receive email updates on City topics that interest you through the Notify Me service.​