DPD issues Fourth of July safety tips, city firework ordinance

Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese offers some tips for the  Fourth of July Holiday.

•Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens 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.

•Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

•Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

•Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.

•Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then 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 kill you!

• Don’t hesitate in calling the fire department if a fire gets started.

•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.

And finally Chief Reese asks everyone to be considerate of others when using fireworks in the night time hours.

Sec. 10-4. – Fireworks.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for the citizens of this city or any person or corporation engaged in business to sell at retail any fireworks permitted by state law. Proof of permit from the state fire marshal and a business license and permit from the city is required for each stand, trailer or facility from which fireworks sales are permitted as provided in this article.

(b)

Common class C fireworks as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation may be sold and discharged within the city limits and police jurisdiction of the city only during the dates and times specified herein.

(1)

Beginning June 20 and ending on July 10 and beginning December 15 and ending January 2 of each year.

(2)

The time period for the [sale] of fireworks shall be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight each day during the specified dates, provided that no fireworks are sold between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m.

(3)

The time period for discharging fireworks shall be from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. each day during the specified dates, provided that no fireworks are discharged between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

(4)

Special provisions for New Year’s Eve will apply to the hours of discharging which will be until 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day only.

(c)

The city council may grant special permission for fireworks special event displays during any date or time only upon written application for said permit and business license, submitted fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled date of such event. The granting of such special permit shall be conditioned upon the approval of the city fire department, police department and building official.

(d)

Any individual, firm, partnership or corporation that violates any provisions of this article shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not less than thirty (30) days or both in the discretion of the court.

(Ord. No. 1965-97, § 1, 11-18-65; Code 1975, Ord. No. 35, §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 2001-3, 8-23-2001