Savannah prepares for one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Visit Savannah President and CEO Joseph Marinelli said this Fourth of July weekend is expected to be one of the busiest the city has seen this year, with local law enforcement and emergency services preparing accordingly.

A celebration bigger than fireworks

“It’s America’s 250th anniversary so the celebration is so much bigger than just fireworks,” Marinelli said.

He added that events will not be limited to downtown Savannah, or Independence Day itself.

“It’s an extension of the weekend this year,” Marinelli said.

First responders ready for the crowds

Chatham Emergency Management Services President and CEO Chuck Kearns said the increased crowds will not strain his agency.

“Oh, no problem at all,” Kearns said when asked whether the holiday would stretch resources thin.

Kearns also cautioned residents who plan to light their own fireworks, noting that emergency department staff see fireworks-related injuries regularly.

“I think if you talked to the people in emergency department they’d say you see that almost every single year,” Kearns said.

Mayor urges ridesharing, no celebratory gunfire

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said police presence will be heavy throughout downtown. He asked the public to refrain from celebratory gunfire.

“It creates an issue that we have a lot of people downtown here and we have stuff happening in neighborhoods,” Johnson said.

On navigating downtown traffic, the mayor’s advice was direct.

“Rideshare, rideshare, rideshare, rideshare rideshare rideshare — public transportation when possible — but rideshare rideshare rideshare,” Johnson said.

Johnson also noted that a number of vehicles are towed each Fourth of July due to parking violations. Both the mayor and Kearns listed drinking and driving as a top concern for the holiday weekend.

Tips for a safe holiday weekend

Kearns and city officials offered the following reminders for those celebrating:

• Call 911 if something goes wrong — remain calm and provide as much information as possible.
• Stay hydrated — temperatures are expected to be high this weekend.
• Establish a central meeting location in case members of your group get separated.
• Use fireworks only as intended — follow all safety instructions.
• Use rideshare or public transportation to avoid parking issues and impaired driving.
• Keep noise-sensitive pets indoors during fireworks shows.