Houston officials warn of security risks ahead of July 4

City officials are warning Houston residents to stay safe ahead of the July 4 weekend and have a plan in place in case Hurricane Beryl changes course.

Tomorrow, thousands of residents will gather at Eleanor Tinsley Park, Sam Houston Park and along Allen Parkway for the city’s annual Freedom Over Texas event from 4 to 10 p.m. to watch the fireworks. Mayor John Whitmire said those in attendance could feel temperatures between 110 and 113 degrees over time, plus heat that could radiate from the tightly packed crowd, as well as from the sidewalk and buildings.

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“Stay hydrated, dress appropriately, have fun and think before you act,” Whitmire said at a news conference Wednesday.

If you plan to attend, Susan Christian of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events said to be sure to bring an empty water bottle, as full bottles will be poured out at the entrance. There will be free water stations throughout the venue, as well as refreshment stations to give residents a break from the hot sun. Christian recommended not bringing pets, fireworks, firearms or laser pointers.

Freedom Over Texas isn’t the only event happening tomorrow in Houston. There’s also the Houston Symphony’s Star Spangled Salute at the Miller Outdoor Theater, a parade in Kingwood, and Ecuador taking on Argentina in the Copa America tournament at NRG Stadium.

Interim Police Chief Larry Satterwhite said hundreds of officers would be deployed to ensure the safety of residents at all events and there should be no threats. However, he advised residents to report any suspicious situations if they see anything suspicious.

“We can’t see everything,” Satterwhite said. “We can’t be everywhere.”

Satterwhite’s team will also monitor the road for drunk drivers.

“Don’t drink and drive,” Satterwhite said. “Don’t make the mistake that could cost you your life or someone else’s life and could cost you your whole life.”

Satterwhite and Fire Chief Sam Peña both advised families to be wary of possible drowning. Peña suggested designating someone to watch over people in the pool.

“It’s not like in the movies,” Peñasa said. “You don’t see the splashes. It’s silent and it happens fast. Be careful.”

They also warned residents not to shoot a gun into the air to celebrate. It’s against the law, and whatever you shoot always falls back, Satterwhite said.

Instead of setting off fireworks yourself, Peña suggested going to a professional fireworks show to avoid injury. It is illegal to set off fireworks within city limits anyway and can result in a fine of $500 to $2,000. Those who see others setting off fireworks in Houston are encouraged to call the non-emergency number for the fire department at 713-884-3131.

If you’re grilling with coals, Peña recommends staying 20 feet away from any structure you might be grilling in. When it comes time to dispose of the coals, put them in a noncombustible container with water before throwing them away to prevent dumpster fires.

And to stay hydrated, start drinking water today and your body will be better prepared tomorrow, Satterwhite said.

As Houston monitors Hurricane Beryl, officials advised residents to stay aware of weather conditions and have a plan in case a storm hits. Tom Muñoz, acting director of the city’s Office of Emergency Management, said his staff has been keeping an eye on the storm all week and is in contact with the National Weather Service. The emergency center will be activated with increased alert capacity this weekend, he said.