For the first time in a long time, fireworks will be sold in Terry County. As the drought continued its grip on the county, it was just too dry to risk fireworks. But, the rains came in May and June and the county is no longer in the Exceptional Drought category. As a result, the Terry County Commissioners voted to allow fireworks for the Fourth of July holiday.
But, with fireworks, comes rules and responsibilities. Anyone who has driven down the roads just outside the City Limits on July 5th, has seen the huge amounts of trash and debris left behind by the revelers. Do not be one of these! Pick up your trash and take it with you. Many citizens who had nothing to do with shooting fireworks spend their morning on the 5th picking up after the worthless, irresponsible folks who do not have the decency or the good sense to pick up after themselves. That may sound harsh. We hope it does. PICK UP YOUR FIREWORKS TRASH AND DEBRIS!!! End of story.
The other very important thing to consider is safety. There are some good rules for fireworks safety. Everyone knows them. You just need to be sure you are following them.
If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks
Be sure to follow the following safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
But remember, the City of Brownfield will be putting on a great fireworks display on July 5th, starting at 10 p.m.
One more thing to think about is where you are. Look around you. Is there a pasture nearby that looks dry? Are you on private property? If either of these are true, then move to another location. Do you want to be the one to cost some farmer everything, because you were careless with your fireworks? Respect the property of others. Always.
Do not combine drinking alcohol with shooting fireworks. Mistakes are made when this happens.
Have a safe and happy July 4th and remember to thank God for this great country in which we live.
