(Seguin) — Safe driving isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind this holiday weekend. Emergency officials say you also need to play it safe if you want to use fireworks to help celebrate the New Year.
Fireworks are illegal in the Seguin city limits. It’s illegal to use them, or even possess them inside the city. People who violate those rules could face fines of up to $2,000. The ban not only applies to areas inside the city, but also those within 5,000 feet of the city limits. So city residents need to remember that fireworks are simply not allowed.
No such rules exist for areas in the unincorporated portions of Guadalupe County. Those areas, outside of citieis, tend to be more rural, and there are no ordinances to prevent people from using the fireworks. But just because they are permitted in those areas, you still need to remember to play it safe and to exercise caution when using the pyrotechnic devices.
Guadalupe County Fire Marshal Patrick Pinder says you still need to be extra careful if you plan to use fireworks this weekend.
“So when you are going out to purchase fireworks, some of the things that we urge people to be mindful of is the types of fireworks that they are going to buy. You want to make sure that you are buying the appropriate fireworks for the appropriate persons that are going to be using them. If you are going to be celebrating the New Year with kids, we urge you to buy some of the fireworks that are more kid-friendly. Stick with the sparklers and the smaller fireworks that are not aerial and things like that. If the adults are going to get involved and start shooting fireworks, you can always do those more intense or more dramatic fireworks, just make sure you use them safely,” said Pinder.
Pinder says keep a water source nearby, and make sure you are being responsible in your usage of the fireworks.
“Some of the things that we urge people to do in being safe is make sure that you are in an open area that’s not close to any tall grass or residences where the fireworks could spread fires. Some of the other things that we want to encourage people to do is make sure that you’re not lighting more than one firework at a time, because you can only control one or two once those things go off. Light one, watch it go off and then go on to the next one. Don’t lean over the cannisters or the aerial fireworks. If you have a dud, make sure you pour water on it and just let that thing soak out for a little bit. When you are done with the fireworks, make sure you properly dispose of them. Make sure that you have some water nearby and pour water on them before you throw them in the trash can. A lot of times what we see is that people are safe with the fireworks, but after the fireworks are done being lit off, they throw them in the trash and often we see those trash can fires (occur),” said Pinder.
Pinder says there’s a wide selection of fireworks to choose from at the fireworks stands set up around the county. He says make sure you know what you are purchasing, and that you know that they can be used safely around your family and friends. You also need to keep your pets in mind. Some pets are frightened by the loud sounds, and will run away when the fireworks begin to be fired.