Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – With Independence Day festivities beginning to ramp up, the Mt. Juliet Police Department is reminding residents to be careful while discharging fireworks in order to avoid injuries and noise violations.
Fireworks are exciting, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used safely. Fireworks must be handled carefully to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening injuries. Premature denotation and misuse of fireworks are responsible for many burn injuries every year, which all could be avoided with proper and safe handling. Safety should be everyone’s priority, and parents should always supervise juveniles using fireworks. The Mt. Juliet Police Department urges residents to be careful, follow safety precautions, and abide by city ordinances during the holiday celebrations.
In Mt. Juliet, it is unlawful to sell or use fireworks in the city limits except from June 20th through July 5th and December 10th through January 2nd. During this holiday season, fireworks cannot be discharged or used between 10:00 PM – 10:00 AM. In addition, fireworks cannot be sold or given to any person under the age of 18. It is permissible for juveniles to use fireworks only if a parent is supervising the activity. Failure to comply with Mt. Juliet’s City Code regulating fireworks could result in a fine.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common-sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries can be significantly reduced:
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise juveniles if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Instead, please wait 20 minutes and soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can be deadly
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
And note these special safety tips if using sparklers:
- Always remain standing while using sparklers.
- Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
- Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
- Never throw sparklers.
- Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.
Enjoy your time with your friends and loved ones. Everyone at the Mt. Juliet Police Department wishes you a happy and safe Independence Day.
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