FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Celebrate 250 Years Safely
Monday June 29, 2026
Contact: Rebecca Burns, Health Officer
517-279-9561 ext. 148
Joe Frazier, Director of Environmental Health Services
517-279-9561 ext. 154
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrate 250 Years Safely
Coldwater, MI – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is excited to celebrate our Nation’s 250th Birthday. As residents gather with family and friends, we hope to share information that will allow you to have a safe celebration.
Keep your 4th of July Barbecue free from foodborne illness:
1. Clean your Grill - Removing the remains of the last barbecue avoids cross contamination.
2. Defrost Food Safely – Thaw meat safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave and cook immediately.
3. Avoid Cross Contamination – Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and vegetables.
4. Use a Thermometer – If it walks (beef/pork), cook to a minimum internal temperature of 155 F.
If it swims (fish), cook to a minimum internal temperature 145 F. If it flies (poultry), cook to a minimum internal temperature 165 F.
5. Put Leftovers Away – Uneaten food should be refrigerated within 2 hours. If you are outdoors, refrigerate or place in a cooler in 1 hour. Store leftovers in containers that have a tight-fitting seal to prevent spillage. When using a cooler with ice, maintain the ice level to cover the food and replace as needed.
6. When in Doubt – Throw it Out – If you look at a food item and question its safety, throw it out.
Spend time enjoying the show, not the Emergency Room:
1. Buy only legal consumer fireworks - Avoid homemade, altered or illegal fireworks, and follow the instructions on the package.
2. Keep kids safe – Fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, can cause injuries and burns. Sparklers burn at temperatures around 2,000 F and can cause serious burns.
3. Keep water nearby – Have a hose or bucket of water ready in case of fire or to safely soak used fireworks.
4. Celebrate Sober – Impairment from alcohol or drugs may delay reaction to a dangerous situation.
5. Light one at a time, and quickly move away – Never lean over a firework while lighting the fuse.
6. Don’t aim or point fireworks at people, animals, or buildings – Do not hold, wear or attach fireworks to your body or clothing.
7. Don’t relight a “dud” – Wait for 20 minutes and then soak thoroughly in water before disposing of it.
We encourage residents to join in their local community celebrations where professionals will be putting together amazing displays to celebrate America’s birthday!
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment. For more information, contact your local office, visit www.bhsj.org, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BHSJCHA or Instagram www.instagram.com/bhsj_healthagency.
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Branch County 570 N. Marshall Rd. Coldwater, MI 49036 (517) 279-9561 |
Hillsdale County 20 Care Drive Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 437-7395 |
St. Joseph County 255 N. US 131 Three Rivers, MI 49093 (269) 273-2161
Temporary Location |
Sturgis Office 1555 E. Chicago Rd. Sturgis, MI 49091 (269) 273-2161 Wednesday – Friday |