(Seguin) — Drinking and driving isn’t the only thing you need to worry about this New Year’s Eve. If you plan on shooting off fireworks to ring in the New Year, you need to remember there are some big do’s and don’ts that you need to keep in mind. City residents need to remember that fireworks are completely illegal in the city of Seguin. That means you can’t possess them or set them off inside the city.
Seguin Police Chief Terry Nichols says he knows that some will try, but he encourages people to avoid the ticket, and say no to those fireworks in town this year.
“Do not fire off fireworks inside the city. You can receive a citation for it, and we don’t want to do that. We don’t want to ruin anyone’s New Year’s Eve. So we ask that you be respectful, and if you want to pop off fireworks, that you go outside the city limits and do it,” said Nichols.
Fireworks are not banned in the unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County. Those are those more rural areas that are located outside of any of the city boundaries in Guadalupe County. If you live out in these areas, Sheriff Arnold Zwicke says you still need to be safe. He said you need to make sure you know what you are buying, and you need to know how and where to use them.
“They have to be on private property, not on public roadways. Also you need to pay some respect to those fireworks, just as you do with a firearm, because where that projectile ends up — you’re responsible for it. Historically, we have a structure fire or two every year due to the carelessness of fireworks — not to mention the numerous injuries caused by fireworks,” said Zwicke.
There’s a good chance that you’re going to hear the booms and bangs associated with fireworks on New Year’s Eve, that’s why Chief Nichols says it’s a good idea for people to make sure that their pets are protected and safe
during this period.
“It’s a great time to secure your (pets), especially your dogs. Secure those pets inside, because the fireworks often will send our furry friends scrambling. They are scared, and they’ll run off — often times not to be seen again.
So please, if you know that your pet reacts this way to loud noises or things like that, secure your dogs for the night and be prepared for that,” said Nichols.
The Texas Department of Insurance has published a Fireworks Safety Tip fact sheet. It lays all the things that you should consider if you’re planning on using fireworks. The suggestions include:
• Always buy fireworks from an established retail outlet.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Always have an adult present.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors in cleared areas away from houses, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Keep water handy for fires and emergencies.
• Never experiment or attempt to make homemade fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water and throw away.
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Wear eye protection when shooting fireworks.
• And after shooting them, soak fireworks in water before putting them in the trash