Although the personal use of fireworks is banned in many Baldwin County municipalities, it is permitted in unincorporated areas of the county. Local officials and trade groups urge caution when using pyrotechnics, no matter where your New Year’s Eve Celebration may take you.

The use of fireworks grew nearly tenfold between 1976 and 2006 (29.0 million pounds versus 278.2 million pounds), but estimated fireworks-related injuries declined 91 percent, to a 31-year low during that same time period, according to the most recent data available from the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).

“People are having fun with legal products, and they’re being responsible about it, too. Safe fireworks usage is important … during any celebration where fireworks are used,” Tommy Glasgow, president of TNT Fireworks, stated in a press release. “As more Alabamians use fireworks to brighten their New Year’s celebrations, they should follow simple, common sense precautions that will help them safely and festively welcome a new year.”

Some of that common sense is built into Alabama state law. No one under age 16 is allowed to purchase fireworks, unless they are accompanied by an adult. Also, ground salutes must contain no more than two grains of explosives, and the possession of any fireworks obtained through mail-order is prohibited.

The state does permit firecrackers of not more than 50 milligrams of chemical composition; wire sparklers of not more than 100 grams of mixture per item; aerial devices containing not more than 130 milligrams of chemical composition; toy snakes, snappers, auto burglar alarms, smoke balls and smoke novelty items; and trick noisemakers, including toy novelties, toy smoke devices and fireworks.

John Conkling, a fireworks expert and APA spokesman, credits the steep decline in injuries to the fireworks industry’s consumer safety and education initiatives over the last three decades.

“For decades, legal fireworks have enhanced countless American celebrations … To continue the downward trend in fireworks-related injuries, though, consumers must prioritize safety and have a general understanding of how these devices function,” Conkling stated. “Following a few simple guidelines — such as only using fireworks outdoors in clear areas away from buildings and dry grass and always keeping a bucket of water on hand for emergencies — will help people stay safe. It’s also good practice for teaching younger generations that ‘responsibility’ and ‘fun’ can complement each other.”

Daphne Fire Chief James White said there are other rules of thumb to keep in mind if you plan on setting off your own fireworks to ring in the new year.

“We try to stress to people to have adult supervision at all times,” he said. “Make sure the area of use is soaked down or wet.”

White said earlier in his firefighting career, “We have had cases where bottle rockets got on top of a house, and there could be a bird’s nest or dried leaves up there that will set the whole building on fire.”

Experts with the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) caution users to stay alert and avoid alcohol consumption if you’re involved in launching fireworks, and the organization advises that fireworks only be used outdoors.

NCFS also recommends paying close attention to children using sparklers, because they can quickly reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Children should not touch the burning tips, run with them, throw them, or play games with them.

Perhaps the most important word of warning is to let sleeping fireworks lie. Don’t try to re-ignite “duds,” or fireworks that fail to light. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, soak them in water and throw them away.

For more safety tips, and to take a fireworks safety test, visit www.fireworksafety.com.