CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — When you think of New Years Eve, you think fireworks. So why is it such a popular activity for New Year's festivities?
"Getting the family together, the children together, and popping fire crackers is the most exciting thing for everyone," resident Libita Alaniz said while buying fireworks with her two sons.
Firework stand operators say this years sales have been better than years last and the sales continue to go up, they say people always wait until the last minute but New Years Eve is when they can see 50% of their total sales.
Mr. W's Fireworks off of Old Brownsville Rd operator, Miguel Trejo has been doing this seasonal gig for 9 years. He says, he notices more people grabbing fireworks as the years have passed.
"Couple of years ago they changed the law and its no longer illegal to take them back inside the city limits so people are less afraid of getting pulled over and having their fireworks taken from them right after they just spent money on them."
Despite the excitement for New Year's Eve's most popular activity, it is still illegal to discharge fireworks inside Corpus Christi city limits, including the beach. Violators could be facing a fine of up to $2,000 per opened package of fireworks.
Corpus Christi Fire and Police Departments are reminding citizens about safety and city ordinances before they start holiday celebrations.
To call reports of illegal discharge of fireworks please call 886-COPS (2677). The police implore you to not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
Among fireworks safety facts include:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Always use fireworks away from people, structures, and inflammable material.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of a fire.
