Fireworks for Christmas and New Years in Shreveport Bossier

Fireworks for the Christmas and New Years season went on sale in Shreveport on December 15th and are allowed to be discharged in Shreveport.

In Bossier City, fireworks can’t be sold or discharged until this Friday, the 23rd.

You may use fireworks in Shreveport until 10 p.m. each day, except for New Year’s Eve, when the hours are extended until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

In Bossier City, the hours are 10 a.m. til 10 p.m. each day except New Year’s — when you can discharge fireworks until 12:30 that morning.

Bossier and Shreveport police remind you that it is illegal to fire a weapon into the air to ring in the new year.

Shreveport Police Sgt. Bill Goodin says what goes up must come down, and in some cases might end up hitting and wounding — possibly even killing — someone.

Fireworks Safety Tips from Kids Health

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.

• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.

• Never try to make your own fireworks.

• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.

• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.

• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.

• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed around fireworks. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with

water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it.

If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions and your holiday will be a blast!