If you plan to spend July 4th at Fort Hood, you'll want to take a look at this press release issued by the base's Public Affairs Office. 

FORT HOOD, Texas -- Directorate of Emergency Service officials here remind Fort Hood residents and individuals entering post that the use of consumer fireworks are prohibited in all areas of the installation.

Individuals entering Fort Hood gates will be asked to declare if they have fireworks. Should the individual reply "yes," then they will be given two options: place fireworks in an amnesty box or leave the installation.

If an individual replies "no" and fireworks are found during random vehicle searches, the military police will be called and the individual will be ticketed. This ticket is $150 fine for possession of fireworks under Possession/Discharge of Fireworks/Pyrotechnics; USC Title 18, Section 1382.

Anyone found in possession of fireworks in post housing or barracks rooms will be subject to the same policy and fine.

Tickets will also be issued to those found discharging fireworks on the installation to include Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA). If damage to property occurs while discharging fireworks, the individual will be fined at a greater amount.

Residents are encouraged to attend a public display such as Fort Hood's Independence Day Celebration or attend other Central Texas fireworks shows on July 4.
People living off of the installation are asked to follow their city's ordinances and check the county's burn ban before using fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause thousands of burn and eye injuries each year and are also a leading cause of wild land fires.

Regardless of where you spend the day, be sure to keep yourself and your family safe by staying hydrated, wearing sunblock and avoiding sun exposure when possible, and being extremely cautious with fireworks.

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