Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Dec. 30, 2008

Phone: (318) 525-5066 Fax: (318) 673-6933

Contact: Cpl Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fireworks safety

The Shreveport Police Department would like remind everyone about our city ordinances governing the use of fireworks as we head into New Year’s Eve.

For the City of Shreveport, Bottle rockets of any type, or sky rockets with sticks, are prohibited. It is unlawful to sell, possess, or use these types of rockets.

Also between now and New Year’s Eve no fireworks can be discharged within the city limits after 10:00 p.m. The only exception is New Year’s Eve. On that night you may set off fireworks until 1:00 a.m.

As always please be safe and take precautions to ensure no one is injured ringing in the New Year.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind concerning fireworks safety.

-Always wear safety glasses and do not wear loose clothing when using fireworks.

-An adult should always be present and supervise the use of fireworks.

-Read all labels and follow all instructions before lighting fireworks.

-Light only one firework at a time.

-Have a safe landing zone for aerial fireworks. Consideration should be given to wind direction and ignitability of everything in the landing zone.

-Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water on hand to extinguish an incipient fire.

-Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Put them down, then ignite them and walk away.

-Never ignite aerial fireworks where overhead obstructions (trees, eaves, wires, etc.) may interfere with trajectory into open air space. Never ignite aerial fireworks near an opening to a building.

-Do not point or throw fireworks at other people. Do not carry fireworks in you pockets. If one happens to ignite, severe burns may result.

-Always keep spectators a safe distance away.

-Dispose of fireworks only after you are sure they are completely out. If needed, spray them down with a hose and allow them to cool overnight. Treat them much as you would fireplace/stove ashes.

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of this suspect are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews