Let the Party Begin!

You might want to let the pros handle it

With a top-rated fireworks show sponsored by the Gran-bury Chamber of Commerce over Lake Granbury Thursday night, some families might skip the personal poppers.

The professional show can be viewed from the lake, reunion grounds, City Beach and many other sites between the Pearl Street and Highway 377 bridges.

And it’s free.

Those purchasing at the fireworks stand might bypass the aerials and sticks with a seemingly safe choice like sparklers. But the National Safety Council warns that even sparklers are more dangerous than people think.

Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause third-degree burns, according to safety experts. Compare that to how hot it takes to boil water – 212 degrees Fahrenheit – or how hot it takes to melt glass –900 degree Fahrenheit.

Depending upon where you reside, fireworks of all kinds may be illegal. Fireworks are not allowed in the Granbury city limits, and many outlying subdivisions also have regulations against fireworks.

Some may think it’s okay to shoot fireworks from their docks over the lake. But the fireworks debris (cardboard, plastic, metal) lands in the lake and eventually floats to shore.

DON’T TRASH THE LAKE

“It’s the same as throwing trash in the lake,” said Connie Tucker, Lake Granbury reservoir manager for the Brazos River Authority.

Since the remains from fireworks can cause pollution, violators can receive a fine of up to $500.

If you do choose to bypass the professionals and shoot off fireworks somewhere it is legal, remember these safety precautions from the National Safety Council:

■ Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

■ Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

■ Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye wear.

■ Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.

■ Never light fireworks indoors.

■ Only use fireworks 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 relight 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.

dschneider@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 255