COVINGTON- The Newton County Sheriff's Office would like you to have a happy—and safe—Fourth of July.

Deputies will be conducting increased patrols and heavy traffic enforcement during the holiday to enforce traffic laws such as D.U.I., seat belt and other violations.

The Sheriff's Office also issued a series of safety tips Wednesday, the same day the sale of fireworks became legal and ahead of the holiday weekend:

Obey all laws and ordinances regarding the use of fireworks.

Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to     children.

Alcohol should not be consumed while using fireworks.

Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; always away from buildings, people and    vehicles.

Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Always have a bucket of water and water hose close.

Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

Never light fireworks near brush, leaves or flammable substances.

Report illegal explosives, like M-80s, quarter sticks and etc, to the fire department and law enforcement.