Be safe this Independence Day, say Lake Orion police.
To that effect, Chief Jerry Narsh asks traffic to Park Island be restricted to residents only and water traffic around Green’s Park be kept clear.
This year, the entire show will be shot from two floating barges in the Green’s Park Bay area. The entire bay east from Squaw Island to M-24 will be closed to all boat traffic on Saturday, July 3, beginning at 9 p.m. (or earlier, see below) and until the fireworks display is over.
“Please advise any and all boaters that would be affected by this closure that you are able to reach, and/ or post this notice upon boats in your Marina,” said Narsh.
Boaters will be required to be out on the non-closed portion of the Lake by 9 p.m. or earlier if additional time is needed for barge placement safety. Boaters attempting to embark into the bay area after that time will be stopped and returned to dockside by Lake Orion Police and Oakland County Marine Division Officers.
Also,the police department restricts vehicular traffic onto Park Island after 7 p.m., the night of the display to residents only.
The purpose is to prevent an accumulation of motor vehicles that could restrict emergency vehicle response to your homes, said Narsh.
This year, he’s asking residents assist his officers in ensuring the private portion of Park Island Road is clear of parked vehicles in a manner that would allow for any emergency vehicle response.
“We are asking that you direct your arriving guests to park in a manner that does not block the roadway. This is especially necessary when both sides of the roadway are used for the parking of motor vehicles,” he said.
The possibility of serious injury or fire is increased during this day due to the many activities planned and number of people involved, according to police.
“A tragedy can happen at any time, a tragedy that is prolonged or heightened due to a delay in emergency response is both senseless and preventable,” said Narsh.
Motor vehicles that are parked in a manner obstructing an emergency vehicle response may incur uninsurable damage as a result of the need to get a fire truck to a scene. Most insurance companies do not cover this type of damage.
“Please join me in ensuring Park Island is a safe place to enjoy the fireworks display, please advise guests to not block the roadway and monitor the roadway in front of your home for safe passage,” said Narsh.