When Can You Legally Shoot Fireworks in Louisiana?
If you haven't heard the not-too-distant sound of airborne explosions that herald the yearly Independence Day celebrations, get ready. Fireworks go on sale June 25th in Louisiana, and you better believe every roman candle stand in the state will be moving amateur explosives by the truckload. However easy buying a case of Saturn rockets might be, the when and where of using them can be a bit of a confusing matter.
In Bossier City, it will be permissible to pop your rockets in the city limits from June 28 through July 5 - from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. In Shreveport, you get a few extra days - fireworks are OK to shoot from "noon on June 25 to 10 p.m. through July 5th except for the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m." In Bossier City, if you set off fireworks illegally you could face fines up to $500 and/or 60 days in jail - in Shreveport that could be a $500 to $1000 fine.
As always, be careful when shooting off your fiery freedom celebrators. Here are the top 10 safety tips you should follow this explosion Independence Day as suggested by pediatricsafety.net :
- Use fireworks outdoors only. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks including sparklers. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Be careful when lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back up to a safe distance
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them. They can kill you!
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.