Be careful with fireworks

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, some Coast residents may be ready to get their hands on fireworks, but those celebrating should take precautions to make sure they don’t end up losing them while setting them off.
Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan explains there have been incidents with some people holding fireworks either too long or with a short fuse, leaving them with hand injuries. Always monitor children who are around fireworks and if you do happen to celebrate the New Year with a few drinks, it’s best to not be the one who sets off any fireworks.
Chief Sullivan tells News 25 it is best to know which fireworks you’re handling and always read the warning labels. “We always recommend that you do it in a safe manner, away from any livestock, dogs or pets or people. You also understand that these fireworks can cause fires. We not only have injuries but we also have fires and what happens is a lot of times with bottle rockets they end up on someone’s roof and there’s some straw or leaves up there and that starts a fire and we’ve seen several of those over the years.”
Chief Sullivan explains there were a few hand injuries, but no major or life threatening injuries to any Coast residents from the past few years.