As fireworks stands pop up across Leflore County for the Fourth of July weekend, local authorities are encouraging people to stay safe and obey the law.
It is illegal to use fireworks within the Greenwood city limits. The penalty for violating this ordinance is a $1,000 fine or six months in jail.
“We encourage people to use them outside the city limits, if at all, and to use them under supervision if children are involved,” Greenwood Fire Chief Larry Griggs said. “Use them in an area that won’t cause physical harm or damage to homes.”
Greenwood Police Chief Henry Purnell has released a statement asking citizens to take safety precautions.
“Our concern is not to let children shoot off fireworks; it is dangerous to our community,” Chief Purnell said. “Parents are responsible for their children.”
Griggs said fires from fireworks often are a problem during holidays. “Fires caused by bottle rockets, mainly, get on to someone’s roof or porch and can start a fire,” he said.
More than $200 million of fireworks were imported in 2005 alone, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Daniel Pernell at Star Spangled Fireworks on Mississippi 7 said this year’s most popular items so far have been the bottle rockets, firecrackers and artillery shells.
“So far it business hasn’t really picked up, but it is early,” Pernell said. “Usually around July first and second people start coming in and by the third and fourth it gets really busy.”
Taking these simple precautionary steps from TNT Fireworks East President Tommy Glasgow can help prevent unnecessary injuries this holiday season:
- Once you’ve made your firework purchase, keep them in a safe place.. out of reach of children until you are ready to use them.
- Young children should not light or handle fireworks.
- Use good common sense and always read and follow all warnings and instructions that appear on the firework item or packaging.
- Keep a hose and bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies. Used fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water prior to being discarded.
- Use fireworks outdoors, only in a clear area away from houses, buildings, fences, dry grass, and trees.
- Never attempt to fix or relight a firework.
- Animals are sometimes frightened by fireworks.
- Check credibility pf the distributor to make sure their fireworks are reliable, legal and come from a licensed source.
- Do not smoke when handling any type of fireworks.
- Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
- Always use products that are legal in your community.
“Additional patrol units will be out to insure safety of all citizens over the holiday weekend,” Purnell said.
