GOING OUT WITH A BANG

When midnight strikes Dec. 31, the sounds of firecrackers and flares of bottle rockets will usher in the new year locally.

For the first time, the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City will allow people to legally shoot off fireworks on New Year's Eve.

"I don't expect it to be like the Fourth of July when people put on a show. It will probably be too cold for that," said Rick Hoffman, who is selling fireworks at the Hoffman Family Fireworks showroom, 2976 East Outer Road in Scott City, near Airport Road and Interstate 55.

Instead he said most customers are looking for one or two items to shoot at midnight.

"Because it's the millennium, some people want to use fireworks as part of the celebration," Hoffman said.

He expects shells to be popular for New Year's Eve. These are round canisters that hold 19 or 20 balls that shoot into the air followed by a long comet tail, then break apart to become a shower of stars.

"They are more for show, for display, rather than noisy," said Hoffman said, who noted most cost less than $20.

Those who would rather be noisy can buy a roll of 2,000 firecrackers for $12.95, Hoffman said.

While area cities are allowing fireworks, there are still rules to follow.

According to information from the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City:

• Fireworks are being allowed for one hour on New Year's Eve, from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Fireworks cannot be shot off in the streets or on city property.
• Fireworks cannot be shot off on someone else's property without permission.
• Fireworks cannot be shot off near churches, hospitals or schools (within 300 feet in Jackson and Scott City, within 600 feet in Cape Girardeau).
• Fireworks cannot be shot off near gas pumps, gas stations or retail stores (within 100 feet in Scott City, 300 feet in Cape Girardeau).
• Fireworks cannot be shot off from a motor vehicle or toward a person or group of people.

Violation of fireworks regulations are punishable with fines of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.

In addition to the regulations, Capt. Charles Brawley, a fire inspector with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, said there are safety issues as well.

He said fireworks should be set off with adult supervision, should not be aimed at cars, people, houses or buildings and should be watched to make sure there is no danger of fire.

While recent rains have reduced the danger of fires, there are still plenty of dry leaves and grass around that could be set on fire with fireworks, he said.

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

Following are fireworks safety recommendations from the National Safety Council:

* Read and follow instructions printed on the package before discharging any fireworks.

* Buy fireworks from a reliable dealer.

* Don't buy fireworks unless the name and address of the company are printed on the package,

* Don't try to relight fireworks that fail to discharge.

* Avoid fireworks that look like they have been wet and then dried.

* Avoid any explosive with a loose fuse.

* Don't stand directly over fireworks, especially projectiles, when igniting the fuse.

* Don't hold fireworks in your hands when igniting the wicks.

* Step away from fireworks quickly after igniting the fuse.

* Never shoot fireworks at someone or at stationary or moving objects.

* Stay clear of buildings and vehicles when discharging fireworks.

* Don't carry fireworks in your pocket.

* Always have water handy.

* Have an adult present.

Source: National Safety Council