By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Local fireworks retailer Tammy Pearson said she wants her customers to be aware of safety while enjoying the upcoming holiday season.
Pearson has been running her fireworks stand on Airline Highway for about two years but owns many other stands throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. The store owner said she doesn’t just sell for the money and will try to find out what the customer is looking for specifically in an effort to encourage safety. Pearson said she carries many items that are safer for children and will make sure to explain how each explosive will act.
“I try and focus on what they’re looking for and what kind of gathering they’re going to have. I’ll have single mothers come in here with their children, and I ask ‘Is this who you’re shooting these off for?’ Safety is my concern,” she said.
Pearson is trauma nurse by profession and is familiar with fireworks-related injuries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, amateur firework usage endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Permanent scarring, loss of vision and dismemberment are often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year.
“When things go wrong, they go wrong very fast and often with disastrous consequences,” stated Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning.
Pearson said that even sparklers, which are considered harmless, can reach temperatures of up to 1,300 fahrenheit.
“I know that there are people that don’t possess common sense about fireworks. When we have kids in here with parents, we always talk about safety rules. I want people to enjoy their holiday and not end up in the E.R. It boils down to you have to have an adult that is willing to watch what their child is doing and teach them that these things can hurt them. You can have a lot of fun with them if you just think about what you’re doing,” she said.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office suggests public fireworks displays as a safer option for the public to enjoy the holiday.
St. John Parish will hold its 13th annual Independence Day Celebration and firework show on the evening of July 3 on the grounds of the St. Peter Catholic Church in Reserve, and the St. John Courthouse in Edgard at 6 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. The east and west bank events will be filmed and broadcast live on the government access channel 15 so residents can view from home.
St. John the Baptist Parish code permits the discharge of fireworks on the July 4 from dusk until 10 p.m. No fireworks are permitted to be used closer than 500 feet to any hospital, church, nursing home or school that is occupied. in addition, no fireworks may be discharged indoors, in confined spaces or close to any facility where flammable materials are used, manufactured or stored. State law prohibits anyone from offering to sell or selling fireworks to any child under the age of 15. Parents can be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their children’s illegal use of fireworks.
The St. Charles Parish council recently voted to lift the fireworks ban for the parish, but the new ordinance will not be in effect in time for this year’s holiday celebrations. Parish officials said the vote must be signed by the parish president before it is publsihed. After it is signed, it will not be law until five days after publication. Officials advise residents that fireworks are still banned, but the parish will hold its 23rd annual Independence Day Celebration from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on July 3 at the West Bank Bridge Park. The event will feature live music and concessions with the fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. An opening ceremony is set to begin at approximately 6:15 p.m.
In St. James Parish, the code of ordinances states that citizens should not ignite fireworks on private property without the permission of the owner. The explosives should be contained within the boundaries of the private property and should not be ignited in a fashion that will cause damage to surrounding property or buildings.
State Fire Marshal’s Office advises citizens who choose to purchase fireworks to always read and follow the label directions carefully and to have a garden hose or water bucket nearby for medical emergencies and/or to douse spent or misfired fireworks. In addition, adults should always supervise fireworks activity.Fireworks should never be lit in-hand, or pointed at people, pets, cars or buildings. The agency also advises the public to never alter or make their own explosives or pick up fireworks that are leftover after displays.
Browning offered a few final words of advice: “Due to the fire hazard as well as the inherent risk of injury involved in fireworks, citizens are urged to use extreme caution when handling fireworks to ensure a safe, fire-free holiday. The few moments of pleasure consumer fireworks bring are not worth the risk of property loss, injury or death. Avoid needless risks.”