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Check local restrictions before setting off fire works for the new year
By AUDREY M. MARKS
As the Katy area prepare to ring in the new year, residents living in subdivisions should check with their home owners associations before lighting fire works to celebrate 2009.
While fireworks are legal to carry and use in Harris County, as well as the city of Katy, those living in subdivisions sometimes follow a more stringent set of rules.
In Cinco Ranch it’s against deed restrictions to shoot off fireworks in the subdivision, according to information on the web site as well as several posted signs in the neighborhoods.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Fireworks are also responsible for thousands of injuries and even deaths, though they estimate the actual injury numbers are higher because many injuries are treated at home or in a doctor's office.
In addition to any possible personal harm or large scale property damage, many fireworks create trash and debris.
But not all consumer fireworks will cause harm, especially if they are used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips for using fireworks:
Always read and follow label directions.
Always have an adult present.
Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
Be sure to have water handy.
Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
Light only one at a time.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
While fireworks are legal to carry and use in Harris County, as well as the city of Katy, those living in subdivisions sometimes follow a more stringent set of rules.
In Cinco Ranch it’s against deed restrictions to shoot off fireworks in the subdivision, according to information on the web site as well as several posted signs in the neighborhoods.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Fireworks are also responsible for thousands of injuries and even deaths, though they estimate the actual injury numbers are higher because many injuries are treated at home or in a doctor's office.
In addition to any possible personal harm or large scale property damage, many fireworks create trash and debris.
But not all consumer fireworks will cause harm, especially if they are used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips for using fireworks:
Always read and follow label directions.
Always have an adult present.
Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
Be sure to have water handy.
Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
Light only one at a time.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
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