Local experts share New Year’s firework safety tips
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DYER COUNTY, Tenn. — Tuesday, fireworks store owners in Dyer County said New Year’s Eve is their second most profitable day of the year, but fire department officials advised consumer safety. According to a nationwide study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks caused the deaths of eight people and injured more than 11,000 others in 2013. Now with New Year’s Eve around the corner, both store owners and fire department officials advised extreme safety precautions when celebrating the start of a new year, especially with first-time shooters. “Anybody that’s not familiar with a particular product could come into harm’s way just ’cause they’re not familiar with that product,” said Chad Hunt, owner of the Crazy K firework shop in Dyer County. He said many people already have planned for a designated driver on New Year’s Eve and that they could benefit from a designated shooter as well. “Designated shooter should be in charge of getting the product and in charge of doing all the lighting,” Hunt said. Dyersburg Fire Department Fire Inspector Mark Sykes said being prepared can go a long way in fire safety. “First of all, you want to wear safety goggles and have water available whether it’s in a hose or bucket,” Sykes said. Sykes also recommended a first aid kit be available nearby in case of emergencies. Sykes said fireworks are not allowed within city limits and can only be legally bought and sold in Dyer County.
