Travis County Holiday Schedule
As Travis County residents plan to celebrate this New Year's Eve, the department of Emergency Services and the Fire Marshal's Office is reminding citizens to celebrate safely by staying informed about the hazards of consumer fireworks. Fire Marshal Chief Tony Callaway said, "Residents must know the risks of using fireworks, so injuries and tragedies can be prevented. As we ring in 2023, I encourage all residents to be safe this New Year's Eve."
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks cause approximately 19,500 fires yearly, resulting in an estimated $105 million in direct property damage nationwide. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 11,500 firework injuries occurred last year, and about 32 percent of those emergency room injuries were fireworks burns.
Take these simple steps before, during, and after using consumer fireworks to help keep you, your family, and your pets healthy and your celebration safe:
- Know and follow all county and city fireworks laws for your area. Check with your local fire and police departments for guidance on permitted fireworks.
- Use Fireworks outside on a flat, firm surface, such as the ground or a driveway. Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Protect your children – Never use sparklers without close adult supervision. The tip of a sparkler burns at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals and can cause third-degree burns.
- Always keep pets inside and safe from fireworks.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Lighting a “dud” can cause it to explode, leading to serious injury. If a firework does not light or fire, let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then carefully place it in a bucket of water. Soak them and throw them away.
- Always have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water on hand. Use a bucket of water to discard matches, used fireworks, and firework “duds” to prevent a trash fire. Fireworks can smolder for a long time after going off and start a fire after you've left the area.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org; the National Safety Council, nsc.org; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cpsc.gov.
