GRETNA, La. — GRETNA, La. — With only two more days left in 2023 residents in the metro area are more likely to be looking for ways to celebrate.
Friday, RC’s Promotions on Whitney Ave. in Gretna was in full swing with customers purchasing fireworks for the holiday.
“Between Christmas and New Year’s that’s just two very hectic weeks for us,” said owner Russell Lloyd. “The goal is to sell out every year.”
We ran into John Windham and his two sons shopping.
“Watching the kid’s eyes when the fireworks go up, that is the most fun that we have,” he said.
Windham says over the years he’s learned that you must have a safety system when popping fireworks.
“Once we light it, we run, and we make sure to dispose of them properly,” he said.
Friday, first responders warned that if you’re not careful with the amateur explosives at home you could have some dangerous consequences.
“It’s best to soak them down in water before you dispose of them in the trash can,” said Mike Palmer with the Bayou Cane Fire Protection District.
Last year a home in Bayou Cane went up in flames because the fireworks were still hot.
“The trash was by the house,” said Palmer “and it caught the house on fire, by the time they noticed it was up in the attic and they lost the house.”
Palmer says safety must be top of mind from the start to the finish of your holiday celebration.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go watch a professional display,” he said. “But if you choose to do it on your own, please make sure you are safe and you discard them properly.”