Thousands of fireworks will light up the night sky during New Year’s Eve. While it’s a cause for celebration, the Picayune Fire Department offers firework safety tips for those handling fireworks during the holiday.

In the past, the Picayune area hasn’t experienced any significant firework-related hazardous situations, but Picayune Fire Chief Keith Brown said residents should continue to use fireworks safely. He added that while the recent wet weather will help avoid any fire hazards, it’s up to the user to handle the firework with care.

The National Council on Fireworks offered various tips on how to use fireworks safely:

• Make sure to purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Follow the directions posted on the consumer product’s safety label.
• Observe local laws and use good common sense.
• Have a designated person organize and light the fireworks.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
• Young children should not handle or use fireworks.
• Don’t drink while operating fireworks.
• Use fireworks outdoors, and away from buildings or cars.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trashcan.

The Picayune Fire Department urges residents to use these tips in order to stay safe into the New Year.