EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — City of El Paso Fire Department is reminding residents the use of fireworks within the city limits is prohibited when celebrating Independence Day.
The City says the use of fireworks inside city limits is a Class C misdemeanor with fines of up to $500.
Firework injuries are one of the leading causes of medical emergencies during Independence Day celebrations, with children being most often injured, the City said in its news release.
Common injuries and accidents using any pyrotechnic materials include severe skin burns, eye injuries, hearing loss and fires.
The City said even seemingly harmless pyrotechnic materials, such as sparklers, can also cause severe injuries or accidents. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep yourself and others safe, the El Paso Fire Department is asking residents to follow these safety tips:
Dial 9-1-1 if you need emergency assistance.
Consider attending an authorized public firework display.
If attending public display, children must be supervised at all times.
Do not pick up any firework debris as it could still be hot enough to cause burn injuries.
Keep grills and other fire sources at least 7 feet away from your home, roofs, trees and others.
Establish a pet-free and child-free safe zone at least 3 feet from any stoves, ovens or grills.
Completely extinguish any items used for cooking, charcoal, wood or pellets.
Residents who live outside city limits need to check any applicable bans before using fireworks.
During the Fourth of July celebrations, many pets get frightened and escape their homes. It’s crucial to bring pets indoors during firework displays and reinforce yard fencing and gates, the City said in its news release.
Ensure pets have a collar with ID tags, are microchipped and that the information is up to date. If a pet is not microchipped, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org to find microchipping event dates.
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