Remember to be safe New Year's Eve

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Dec. 27, 2002
Ringing in the New Year can be a lot of fun, but officers with the Meridian Police Department want to remind residents that it is illegal to shoot fireworks inside city limits.
For those who plan to shoot fireworks elsewhere this New Year's Eve, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following tips:
Read and follow label directions.
Adults should be present.
Buy from reliable sellers.
Use outdoors only.
Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
Stay away from illegal explosives.
For more information, including tips for public fireworks display and tips on choosing safe fireworks, visit The National Council on Fireworks Safety at www.fireworksafety.com/safety.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the most popular New Year's Eve songs is "Auld Lang Syne." Here are the words.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne