SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – With New Year’s Eve approaching, safety officials are reminding residents about proper firework handling to prevent celebrations from turning dangerous.
Amber Snider, co-owner of Holiday Fireworks on Mansfield Road, emphasizes that distance is crucial when lighting fireworks.
“Safety helps make the show that much better. The best tip for having a safe show would be to light it from a distance,” Snider said.
Proper lighting techniques
Using a punk stick allows people to light fireworks safely from a distance and walk away quickly. Snider also stressed the importance of patience during firework displays.
“If a product seems like it’s not wanting to light or it’s gone off and feels like it’s not finished yet, don’t look over it. Make sure you have a water source nearby. You can douse it with water,” she said.
Storage and disposal guidelines
In the days before New Year’s Eve, Snider recommends avoiding indoor storage of fireworks and keeping them dry. Proper disposal after use is equally important.
“Once you’re finishing shooting your show, always let them completely cool off, or if you want to go ahead and hang them, drench them with water, let them cool off that way and then you can throw them into a trash can,” Snider said…