Firework sales usually pick up around New Year’s Eve. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is warning people to be aware, and make sure you are buying fireworks legally. 

More than 350 retail fireworks permits have been issued for the 2018 Christmas/New Year’s season in Louisiana. Wholesale and retail fireworks business must be licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in order to open up shop. Legal firework sales sales started on December 15 and end on midnight January 1. 

Ashely Rodrigue with the SFM’s Office says along with a permit, firework stands are also inspected during the time of sales. For families getting fireworks this year, there are markers you can look out for to make sure your fireworks are legal.

“First and foremost you are starting off good if you were finding a product that has a label and has writing and descriptions on it. If you find any product that does not have labels or is unwrapped, that is your first red flag,” says Rodrigue. 

Legal items can be readily identified by a safety warning on the packaging. “You’re going to be looking on those labels for something that designates those products as class, which are the legal sale fireworks here in Louisiana,” said Rodrigue. “Those are going to be designated by either seeing something on there that says 1.4G or you will see UN 336. Those are except a bowl legal consumer grade fireworks that can be sold at a permit at fireworks stand here in the state of Louisiana.”

For those who plan to pop fireworks this year, the SFM offers these safety suggestions:

• Always read and follow the label directions carefully.
• Always have a garden hose or water bucket nearby for medical emergencies and/or to douse spent or misfired fireworks.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activity.
• Fireworks should be placed on a hard, smooth surface prior to ignition. NEVER light fireworks in your hand.
• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings.
• Keep fireworks away from small children.
• Do not alter or make your own fireworks.
• After displays, never pick up fireworks that may be left over.

Just a reminder in Lafayette Parish, the possession, use, handling, sales or the ignition of any fireworks within a city’s limits is strictly prohibited.