Fire marshal, chiefs urge caution on July 4

From public displays to sparklers and bottle rockets in the backyard, celebrating our nation’s independence just wouldn’t be the same without fireworks.

Due to recent drought conditions, however, state and local officials are asking residents to be exceptionally careful with fireworks this holiday weekend. While there has been some rain in recent days, the statewide burn ban is still in effect. In St. Tammany the ban does not include fireworks, but families are strongly encouraged to only attend planned professional displays.

Those who do plan on using their own fireworks are asked to abide by the following guidelines:

• Always read and follow the label directions carefully.

• Always have a garden hose or water bucket nearby for emergencies and to douse spent fireworks.

• Adults should supervise all fireworks activity.

• Fireworks should be placed on a hard smooth surface before igniting, and NEVER light fireworks in your hand.

• Light fireworks one at a time, and move away quickly.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings.

• Keep fireworks away from small children.

• Do not alter or make your own fireworks.

In Slidell, the sale and use of fireworks are permanently banned within city limits, along with trash burning.

According to the Slidell Police Department, violators can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 and no more than $500, or imprisonment of not less than 30 days and no more than 60 days.

A combination of jail time along with a fine is also possible.

Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan announced Wednesday that extra officers would be patrolling the streets. In addition to keeping a sharp eye out for those who violate the fireworks ordinance, the officers will be looking for impaired or aggressive drivers and anyone not wearing a seatbelt, as well as monitoring retail locations to help prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.

“I want to remind everyone that they can have a good time over the holiday weekend without shooting off fireworks or driving while impaired,” said Drennan.

Many local fire chiefs say that attending a professional public display, such as those to be held at the Mandeville Seafood Festival or the Slidell Heritage Festival on Saturday, is the safest way to enjoy the tradition.

“Playing with fireworks invites disaster,” said Chief of Fire Prevention Neil Ricca. “While most parents work year-round to keep their children safe, if they shoot fireworks off in their years they are placing their children at substantial risk.”

Ricca cited statistics from Louisiana SAFE KIDS and the National Fire Protection Association, which show that fireworks account for more than 5,000 emergency visits for children annually. Children ages 10 to 14 account for most of the incidents, and injuries usually involve hands, eyes or heads, and can result in amputations, blindness and scarring or even death.

Damage to property is also a significant risk. Fire District 3 Chief Chuck Flynn said a New Year’s Eve celebration got out of hand last year when a bottle rocket crashed through the bedroom window of a 4,000-square-foot Lacombe Harbor home.

The small missile sparked a blaze, sending flames through the roof and torching much of the top floor. As firefighters battled to contain the fire, careless residents continued to light bottle rockets in the vicinity.

“There were guys up on the roof dealing with hot spots, and people were still lighting those things right and left,” said Flynn. “I had to jump in my truck and drive around the neighborhood telling people to stop.”

Ricca offers the following additional suggestions to safeguard property from potential damage:

• Remove all pine straw and dead leaves from rooftops and rain gutters.

• Clean out garden areas adjacent to structures and soak mulch materials thoroughly.

• Do a visual inspection of the property prior to retiring for the night.

• Check smoke detectors to further insure the safety of your family.