Fireworks to light up dark winter night and New Year'€™s Eve

Palmer has become the latest community to allow personal use of fireworks in the city limits.

It’s hard to argue with allowing people to celebrate with some bangs and lights to bring in a new year. While the days may be getting longer — by seconds — it’s still plenty dark out there. So any excuse to brighten the night seems fine. Especially since there’s not too much risk of starting a ground fire.

However, people can still get hurt if they don’t handle the pyrotechnics carefully. Even the most innocuous sparklers have been know to hurt children. From there on up, the danger increases to the potential of losing fingers or eyesight.

The ordinance in Palmer says someone at least 21 must be present and responsible. They should be sober as well.

Keeping a bucket of water nearby is also a good idea since all the garden hoses have long been put away. Maybe even have a fire extinguisher as well.

Here are some other safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

• Only people over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

In addition, make yourself aware of the city ordinances where you live.

After those tips, “shooters” should also try being courteous.

Those who would like to fire off some rockets or shells might want to let their neighbors know of their intention so they aren’t surprised when the action starts. The neighbors may want to buy some earplugs if they retire early.

Also, many dogs are sensitive to the noise associated with fireworks.

If you know your dog is sensitive, you should contact your veterinarian to see what tips they might give to help Fido withstand the seven-hour barrage. All can go well Thursday night if some common sense comes to play.

Because, as Palmer City Councilman Richard Best said, “We can pull it back at anytime.”

This ordinance was put in place, Best said, so police officers can work on more egregious crimes. In other words, if you are celebrating the new year, don’t drink and drive. If you do, you might hear the fireworks, but you won’t see them from your jail cell.