Fireworks

Fireworks are fun and, under the right conditions, spellbinding. But they're also a major cause of property fires and personal injury. In fact, they're so dangerous, most colleges and universities ban them from campus, and cities and municipalities have laws that regulate or prohibit their use.

Do:

• Buy only from a licensed vendor who displays a permit from the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office.
• Read all directions prior to use.
• Use fireworks in outdoor areas only, away from houses, brush, trees, and anything else that can catch fire.
• Have plenty of water handy in case of an accidental fire.
• Wear protective eye wear and clothing.
• When finished, cool any debris with water and properly dispose of used fireworks.

Don't:

• Try to re-light a firework that malfunctioned. Douse it with water and throw it away.
• Use aerial fireworks near power lines or roofs.
• Dismantle fireworks.
• Light fireworks in metal or glass containers.

For the record, Texas law states that you may not:

• set off fireworks within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, asylums, licensed child care centers or school buildings, including college and university buildings.
• sell or set off fireworks within 100 feet of places where flammable liquids or compressed gases are stored and dispensed (such as service stations).
• light fireworks within 100 feet of places where fireworks are sold or stored.
• set off fireworks inside or from a motor vehicle.