Celebrating 2014 With Fireworks? Here Are Some Safety Tips For You

The Shreveport Fire Department has some advice if you'll be ringing in the New Year with fireworks...use extreme caution. 

Officials say fireworks are amazing and amusing for many people to watch. For some, fireworks are the best way to highlight this festive holiday season. However, fireworks injure thousands of people are each year and sadly, many of those injured are children.  SFD recommends the following safety tips:

• Fireworks should be used outdoors away from your house, any flammable materials, and onlookers.
• A bucket of water should remain nearby for extinguishing fireworks that do not go off or in case of a fire.
• Adults should closely supervise children.
• Keep fireworks in a cool, dry place before using them. Do not carry them in your pocket.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Use fireworks according to manufactures recommendations.
• Young children should never be allowed to handle fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in any container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• The United States Fire Administration recommends you attend a public firework display, if possible.

All citizens are reminded that fireworks are legally sold and used within the city limits of Shreveport from noon December 15, 2013 thru January 1, 2014. However, sales and use of fireworks are strictly prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8 a.m. with the exception of December 31 where it is lawful between the hours of 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. and on January 1 between the hours of 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. For more information on fire or injury prevention issues, contact Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Jimmy Hall at 673-6740.