FIRE OFFICIALS URGE SAFETY FOR NEW YEAR’S

  

While New Year's is a time of celebration, officials say fireworks can lead to danger if safety precautions are not observed during the holiday.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 11 people died in the United States in 2015 while shooting off fireworks, and another 11,900 were treated at hospitals for injuries.

Brenham Fire Chief Ricky Boeker says that residents should be aware that the city of Brenham prohibits the selling, storage, or use of fireworks within the city limits. However, fireworks are allowed in Washington County this year, since there is not a burn ban in effect. Boeker says if someone chooses to use fireworks this coming holiday, it is important take certain precautions:

The National Council on Firework Safety says additional safeguards can be taken to ensure safety during New Year’s including:

• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.