Explosive fun: Officials urge caution this July 4
Photo by Alison James
Allie McClellan, 16, shows off one of the more popular fireworks on sale in the stand run by her grandmother, Carolyn McClellan. Allie has helped her grandmother run the stand, in Franklin County Shopping Centre on Highway 43, for years.
By Alison James
alison.james@fct.wpengine.com
Bursts of color and sound will punctuate the night sky this weekend, brilliant explosions marking July 4 in Franklin County.
There are still a few days left for people to go out and buy fireworks for their personal celebrations. In the city of Russellville, however, a few rules dictate the use of consumer fireworks.
Fireworks may only be shot in Russellville between June 29 and July 6 until 10:30 p.m. each night. There are also specific periods during which fireworks are allowed around New Year’s Day and Labor Day.
Any violation of this time limit, the ordinance reads, will result in a fine, “not to exceed an amount of $100 plus all applicable court costs.”
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said they are just trying to make sure fireworks don’t “hinder other people as far as resting at night and that type of thing.”
“A lot of people enjoy it, and a lot of people don’t enjoy it,” Hargett said. “We get a lot of complaints. People shoot them until 1-2 a.m., and their neighbors are trying to sleep.”
In Red Bay, citizens are urged to remember to only shoot fireworks on their own property, according to Police Chief Jana Jackson. There is no time of day restriction on fireworks, “but if we get complaints, we will go out and speak with them,” Jackson said.”
Phil Campbell Police Sgt. Terrell Potter said fireworks are similarly allowed in Phil Campbell – only on personal property and until a reasonable time of night, such as until midnight.
“We just encourage everybody to use caution and use adult supervision,” Potter said. “If we have complaints we handle them on a case by case basis.”
Potter also reminded people that they shouldn’t shoot fireworks toward vehicles or others’ property.
In addition to special laws on fireworks, the Fourth of July is also a good time to observe extra safety precautions.
“The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency urges everyone to remember safety is key when traveling Alabama’s roadways and waterways as Fourth of July activities often involve alcohol and may result in traffic or boating crashes, injuries and fatalities,” reads a recent press release from ALEA.
The official holiday travel period, ALEA said, is from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, to midnight Sunday, July 5. During that time, Alabama State Troopers assigned to Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol will boost enforcement efforts and promote highway and waterway safety.
Jackson said her office will also be beefing up traffic enforcement, “especially watching out for intoxicated drivers,” Jackson said. “We urge everyone to buckle up and make sure children are in proper child safety restraints when traveling.”
During fireworks celebrations, the Alabama Fire College recommends the following precautions:
• Only adults should handle fireworks.
• Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned.
• Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Never throw, point or shoot fireworks towards people, pets, buildings or vehicles.
• Do not use fireworks in wooded areas.
• Never let children play with or handle sparklers. The temperature of the ignited tip can reach 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to observe fireworks safety is to leave them to the professionals. Jam on Sloss Lake Saturday will go off with a bang, ending the day’s festivities with a massive fireworks display.
