Even though fireworks are illegal in some parts, residents from around the area and even across the state line were stocking up on their favorite celebratory items Friday.
Mike Murphey of Columbus said the artillery shells are a big hit with his family.
“They drop it down in the tubes and it shoots up into the air and blows up,” he said while shopping at Orbit Fireworks on Highway 45 North just north of Columbus city limits.
Murphey and his family have a farm in Marshall County where their celebrations take place.
Bo Sanders of Hamilton and 3-year-old Spencer Sanders were purchasing firework fiestas, which shoot 96 flaming balls into the air before blowing up. Spencer Sanders is a fan of the Roman candles and sparklers; he held one in his hand at the store Friday afternoon.
William Gardner and his Aliceville, Ala. family made a stop at the store to buy fireworks ranging from bottle rockets to skyrockets. Gardner’s grandson, 12-year-old Monterrius Howard, was looking for dynamites more than anything else.
“You put them in the water and they’ll still blow up,” he said with excitement. “They stay lit in the water and they blow up. Plus, they’re loud.”
Celebrants who plan to usher in the new year with fireworks should check city ordinances first.
The municipalities of Columbus, Starkville and West Point prohibit shooting fireworks within city limits.
“When we get calls pertaining to fireworks, we have to go answer those calls,” Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen said. “We could be using that time in a more productive fashion.”
The Columbus ordinance prohibits the sale, distribution, possession and use of fireworks. Violators will be fined up to $100 with a possible sentence of up to 30 days in jail. Each separate sale or use is a separate offense, the ordinance reads. It grants special permission for organized fireworks displays for special occasion as long as they are given the green light by the police and fire chiefs.
While shooting fireworks is illegal inside certain municipalities within the Golden Triangle, the practice is allowed in Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties.
“Don’t let kids play with fireworks, period,” Columbus fire safety officer Carole Summerall said in a news release. “They are intended for use by adults in open spaces, with plenty of active supervision for every child present.”
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports Americans required 9,000 emergency room visits for fireworks injuries in 2009.
Safety tips
Columbus Fire and Rescue listed the following precautions for anyone using fireworks this holiday season:
-Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators.
-Do not try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
-Do not carry fireworks in a pocket or hold them close to the face.
-Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the devices are not subject to any safety recalls. Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
-Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
For more information about fireworks safety, contact Columbus Fire and Rescue at 662-329-5121 or visit www.safekids.org.
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