What to know should you’re touring in Michigan this Fourth of July weekend

Happy fourth weekend of July!

We will back to somewhat humid weather July 4th, but the weekend still looks warm, sunny, and mostly dry – meaning a lot of people go outside to party.

Well that COVID Restrictions have been lifted in the state AAA estimates that more than 1.5 million Michigan’s residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the July 4th weekend. And many of these destinations will likely include Michigan’s state parks and historic sites.

More: MDOT is lifting lane restrictions to make weekend travel easier in Michigan

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If you’re looking to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful outdoor activities this weekend, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has some tips to help you plan ahead and celebrate safely.

While many state parks and buildings amidst the pandemic, the Michigan DNR says the following locations are still closed this weekend:

Officials also say they should be aware that some parking lots in state parks and recreational areas “may be temporarily closed due to capacity limits”.

The Michigan DNR encourages anyone who goes to a beach or lake this weekend to be aware of dangerous waters.

Officials say the Great Lakes can experience rift and structural currents, high waves, and other dangerous conditions – where lifeguards are not present.

Most state parks have designated swimming areas and flags to keep beachgoers informed of the current water level.

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Michigan’s state parks use this beach flag warning system to inform park visitors whether it is safe to step on the water. Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. (Michigan DNR)

You can also Check the beach forecasts and swimming risks for Michigan’s Great Lakes online here. As of Friday, July 2, swimming risks are high along southern Lake Huron and the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Learn more about beach safety tips and water currents on the Michigan DNR website here.

Boaters are also reminded to take precautions when entering and exiting lakes, rivers and streams to prevent the spread of invasive species from one region to another. Alien species such as plants, fish and molluscs can cause serious damage to natural ecosystems if introduced.

Michigan law requires boaters “to remove plants and debris from boats and trailers, remove plugs, and drain bilge tanks and living wells before hitting the streets,” officials said.

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Connected: 5 invasive plants to look out for in Michigan

Michigan boaters are encouraged to use “caution and common sense” as it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In relation to the holiday, fireworks are prohibited in Michigan state parks and campsites.

It’s also important to know the fireworks laws for each region you visit on the weekend of July fourth: Michigan’s Fireworks Safety Act of 2011 was amended in December 2018 to give local government agencies – villages, towns, and cities – the right to do so To restrict days and times, their residents can use fireworks.

Learn more: Michigan Fireworks Laws: What’s Legal If You Can Light Them, Safety Tips

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According to the Michigan DNR, when you’re setting off fireworks, it’s important to take action to prevent forest fires as much of the state – especially northern Michigan – is still technically affected by a drought.

When using fireworks, officials say:

• Have a source of water ready to spray embers from fireworks. Before the fireworks start and after the fireworks finish, spray the entire area where you plan to fire fireworks with water.

• Throw used fireworks and sparklers in a bucket of water.

• Consider non-sparking alternatives like ribbon dancers, biodegradable confetti poppers, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, and glow sticks.

Over the past few summers, ticks have become a widespread problem in Michigan.

In southeast Michigan, many parents have reported ticks on their children in the past few weeks. Most of them had played in their own backyards or in parks – not necessarily just in densely wooded areas.

Ticks are common throughout the state of Michigan.

Ticks can spread several diseases, but Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. Borreliosis is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by the black-legged / deer tick.

To protect yourself from ticks, experts recommend the following steps:

• Avoid tick-infested areas

  • Walk in the middle of the paths to avoid contact with overgrown grass, scrub, and foliage along the wayside.

  • Protect your pets too! Dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and take them indoors, so the use of tick repellants is recommended on pets as well.

• Use insect repellent

  • Apply a repellant containing DEET (20-30 percent) or picaridin to exposed skin.

  • Treat clothing (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact, or buy pre-treated clothing. Do not use permethrin directly on the skin.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any personal care products.

• Perform daily tick checks

  • Always check yourself and your animals for ticks after being outdoors, including in your own yard.

  • Carefully examine all surfaces of the body and remove ticks attached to them with tweezers.

  • To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick’s body away from the skin in one smooth motion. Clean the area with an antiseptic.

• Bath or shower

  • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after entering the house (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks crawling on you.

  • Washing clothes in hot water and drying them on high heat will kill ticks in clothes.

  • Michigan citizens can submit ticks to MDHHS for identification and possible Lyme disease testing for free.

More: As a reminder, ticks and mosquitoes are abundant in Michigan this summer

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Michigan residents and visitors who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are still advised to wear face masks in crowded environments.

For more Michigan State Parks tips and guides, click here on the DNR website.

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