By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Fireworks are a staple item when welcoming in the new year, but the bright lights, crackles and pops come with restrictions, especially within city limits.

Using fireworks between Dec. 15 and Jan.1 is legal in the state of Alabama. Although it is lawful to set off fireworks in the state and in Dallas County, they are prohibited within Selma city limits.

The city’s ban on fireworks dates to 1958 when Section 11-4 of the Selma Code of Ordinances was adopted.

“It shall be unlawful at any time for any person to sell, offer for sale or otherwise dispose of or to have in possession, keep, store, manufacture, use, handle, explode, discharge or shoot any pyrotechnics, commonly called ‘fireworks,’ within the city or police jurisdiction of the city,” according to the ordinance.

Setting off fireworks within city limits is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine.

While residents use fireworks to celebrate New Year’s — hopefully outside Selma city limits — Chris Graham of the Selma Fire Department reminds residents to stay safe over the holiday.

“New Year’s day is coming up. Enjoy the holidays, but keep it safe,” Graham said.

Fireworks were the cause of approximately 8,700 emergency room visits during 2012 — with almost half of those injuries affecting those younger than 20, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“Young children — some are teenagers — who are cuttin’ up are generally who gets hurt [by fireworks],” Graham said.

Graham listed several safety tips for residents using fireworks over the holiday:

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device.
• Try to get to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to relight fireworks.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water near fireworks.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Never allow young children to light fireworks.
• Remember sparklers are dangerous, especially for young children.