As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center would like to remind community members to celebrate responsibly and prioritize safety during the holiday. We also encourage residents to sign up for our new emergency alert service for timely updates on local emergencies.
Here are some key reminders for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend:
- Fireworks Safety: If you choose to use legal fireworks, always follow instructions, keep a safe distance, and never allow them to be handled by children. As a reminder, only call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or if something is on fire. For other fireworks-related concerns, call our non-emergency number, at 434-977-9041.
- Grilling Safety: Only use your grill outdoors, well away from your home, deck railings, or any flammable materials. Never leave a lit grill unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Water Safety: If you are swimming, boating, or otherwise enjoying any of our region’s beautiful bodies of water, wear a life jacket and never swim alone. Always be aware of local weather conditions.
To help you stay informed year-round, we invite community members to sign up for our new emergency alert service – CUA 911 Alerts. This free service will provide timely notifications for severe weather incidents, as well as public safety advisories and other critical information that may impact your safety.
Signing up or learning more is easy: visit www.cua911.gov/alerts to review FAQs, and enter your contact information to receive alerts via email, text message, and/or phone calls. Stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones.
We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Fourth of July weekend!
About the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center
CUA ECC is the regionally consolidated 9-1-1 center that serves the Charlottesville, UVA, and Albemarle communities. Our team of Public Safety Communications Officers work alongside our field responder partners to provide prompt, efficient, and professional emergency services to our community. They answer the call 24/7/365, processing and responding to over 235,000 telephone calls per year, to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors.
Media Contact
Sonny Saxton, EMT-P, ENP
Executive Director, Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center