Fireworks: Be safe or be sorry

  • Published
  • 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services
It's that time of the year again. The season for cookouts, fun in the sun and get-togethers.

July Fourth will be here soon and firework stands will be up and running. Some families traditionally look forward to lighting fireworks to commemorate Independence Day.
Goodfellow historically follows San Angelo guidance regarding fireworks; prohibiting their use within city limits.

Goodfellow leadership in coordination with Hunt Properties included all Goodfellow housing in this ban. San Angelo has also banned fireworks use at Twin Buttes due to dry conditions.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks are responsible for thousands of injuries each year and in some cases death. Hundreds of people visit emergency rooms each day with firework related injuries during the days leading up to and following the Fourth. Children up to nine years old account for nearly 16 percent of all firework related injuries.

For those who still plan on using fireworks this year, keep in mind the following:

· Fire work use is not allowed within two miles of city limits. If used within these limits, offenders can be fined up to $2,000 and is considered a Class-C misdemeanor
· Never let children handle fireworks
· Light one at a time
· Have a full bucket of water on hand for emergencies and douse spent fireworks
· Do not try to reignite a dud. Douse and throw away

For more information on firework safety call Fire and Emergency Services at 325-654-3539.