Community

Pet Owners Urged to Protect Dogs and Cats During Fourth of July Fireworks

Published

3 weeks ago

June 22, 2026

Animal welfare advocates are reminding pet owners to take extra precautions ahead of the Fourth of July, one of the busiest times of the year for lost pets.

Each year, shelters and animal control agencies report an increase in missing dogs following fireworks displays, as loud noises and unexpected explosions can cause even well-behaved pets to panic and flee.

Experts warn that frightened dogs may jump fences, dig under gates, slip out of doors, or run away from yards they have safely occupied for years.

To help keep pets safe during Independence Day celebrations, animal welfare organizations recommend keeping pets indoors during fireworks, ensuring identification tags and microchip information are up to date, and creating a quiet, secure space where animals can retreat when the noise begins.

Other recommendations include closing windows and curtains, playing calming music or television to help mask outdoor sounds, exercising dogs earlier in the day, and avoiding bringing pets to fireworks displays.

While preventing pets from escaping is a top priority, experts say it is equally important to address the stress and anxiety fireworks can cause. Many dogs do not understand the source of the loud noises and may become fearful or distressed.

Providing a familiar environment, maintaining normal routines, and offering reassurance can help pets feel more comfortable throughout the holiday.

Animal advocates are encouraging residents to share these safety reminders with family, friends, and neighbors in an effort to reduce the number of pets that become lost during the Fourth of July holiday.

Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As blood supplies remain critically low, the Orangeburg Fire Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangeburg Fire House, located at 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg.

Hosted in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the event comes as a blood emergency has been declared, highlighting the urgent need for donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer treatments and others facing medical emergencies.

Appointments are preferred and can be made through the New York Blood Center at NYBC.org, although walk-in donors will be welcomed as space permits.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, meet minimum weight requirements, be feeling healthy and symptom-free, and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.

Organizers also encourage donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, making each donor’s contribution an important step in ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need when emergencies arise.

Community

Rockland Residents Urged to Donate Blood as Regional Supply Faces Ongoing Need

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With only about 2% of eligible New Yorkers donating blood, maintaining an adequate blood supply remains an ongoing challenge for hospitals in Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and across the state.

Unlike many medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured, and because blood products have a limited shelf life, the need for donors never ends. Red blood cells can be stored for about 42 days, while platelets remain usable for only five to seven days, requiring a constant supply of new donations to meet patient needs.

Blood transfusions play a critical role in treating trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer patients and others facing life-threatening medical emergencies. According to the New York Blood Center, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

To help strengthen the regional blood supply, Rockland Paramedic Services is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RPS headquarters in New City as part of NYBC’s “Blood for a Brew” campaign.

As first responders, paramedics witness firsthand the importance of having blood readily available before an emergency occurs. Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness of the region’s ongoing need for blood donors while encouraging eligible residents to make a donation that could benefit patients throughout the Hudson Valley.

Officials emphasize that maintaining a strong local and regional blood supply depends on regular donors. Because blood products expire quickly and demand remains constant, every donation helps ensure hospitals have lifesaving blood available when it is needed most.

Residents who are eligible to donate are encouraged to participate in the Aug. 6 blood drive and help support hospitals and patients across the region.