County Officials Outline Fireworks Safety Guidelines

ROUND ROCK, TX -- The advent of the holiday season also ushers in fireworks, particularly during New Year’s Day celebrations. With this in mind, the Williamson County emergency officials have outlined a list of safety tips for those intent on igniting fireworks.

There won’t be a ban for setting off fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county this year, prompting officials to outline safety precautions in advance of the holidays.

“The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management believes the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional fireworks display sponsored by various jurisdictions and organizations throughout the area,” in a very strongly worded hint.

“Fireworks can be dangerous when used improperly, causing serious burns and eye injuries,” emergency officials continue. “Always check with your local fire department/district for recommendations or suggested precautions to follow before deciding to use them.”

But, the reality is that some folks enjoy setting off their own fireworks in staging a personal pyrotechnics display. For those people, officials offer the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Avoid buying fireworks wrapped in brown paper—a tell-tale sign these were made for professional displays and thus even more dangerous to consumers.

• There should always be adult supervision in the lighting of fireworks even when dealing with deceivingly benign sparklers, which actually reach temperatures approaching 2,000 degrees.

• Never place fireworks on any part of your body, and back away to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

• Never try to re-light fireworks that didn’t fully ignite the first time they were lit.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a water-filled bucket or access to the garden hose at the ready in case of a fire or mishap.

• Light fireworks one at a time, backing away quickly after lighting.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• After concluding your fireworks display, douse the entire staging area with plenty of water from a bucket or hose in order to prevent a subsequent trash fire.

• Before buying and using fireworks, make sure they’re legal in your area.

“If you choose to use consumer fireworks, please do so safely, responsibly, and legally,” officials urged.

“Most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits,” they continue. “If you are unsure of the ordinances, it is always safer to check with the city or local fire department prior to the purchase or discharge of fireworks.”

For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and to test your knowledge of fireworks safety, residenst can visit fireworkssafety.org. For emergency preparedness tips, check out facebook.com/preparingwilco.