07/03/2026
๐บ๐ธ As we head into Independence Day weekend, everyone at the Luzerne County Department of Emergency Services wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday! ๐บ๐ธ
The Fourth of July weekend is routinely one of the busiest times of the year for Luzerne County 911, especially as communities across the county celebrate with fireworks.
As you celebrate, please keep these reminders in mind:
๐ Call 911 only for emergencies. Reserving 911 for true emergencies helps keep the system available for those who need immediate police, fire, or EMS assistance.
๐ If you call 911, please stay on the line until a telecommunicator answers. If you hang up before speaking with us, your call is treated as an abandoned 911 call that must be handled. Calling back again creates another 911 call, which may actually increase the time it takes for you to reach a telecommunicator.
๐ Know your location. Whether youโre at home, visiting family, or enjoying a fireworks display, be prepared to provide your exact location if you need emergency assistance.
๐ง Stay cool and stay hydrated. Hot temperatures are expected throughout the holiday weekend. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when possible, and check on family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
๐พ Donโt forget your pets. Fireworks and hot weather can be stressful for animals. Keep pets indoors during fireworks whenever possible, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, and ensure collars and identification tags are up to date in case they become frightened and get loose.
๐ Celebrate safely. Follow local laws, supervise children around fireworks, never handle fireworks while impaired, and keep a safe distance from fireworks displays.
From all of us at the Luzerne County Department of Emergency Services, thank you for helping keep our community safe. We wish everyone a happy, safe, and enjoyable Independence Day weekend!