Hope everyone has a safe New Year’s Eve and a prosperous 2016!

Remember to be safe this evening and leave the colorful fireworks displays up to the professionals. Many communities offer New Year’s Eve celebrations. Check your local community calendar. If you are in the Charlotte area, you may want to try:

Ring in 2016 with CLT New Year’s Eve

What:     CLT New Year’s Eve celebration, presented by Ally

When:     Thursday, Dec. 31, 6:00 p.m.- Midnight

Where:    Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St., Charlotte

If you are going to use fireworks/sparklers to ring in the new year, follow these safety rules:

• Only adults should handle fireworks.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions.
• Never use fireworks indoors. (I hope this is “a given.”)
• Be sure spectators are out of range of debris.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never place your face or any body part over fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves (not a problem in my community this New Year’s Eve), and other flammable materials.
• Do not let small children hold/light sparklers or other fireworks. **

** Children from age 5-14 are very adventuresome and experimental, and they are likely to take risks in many of their activities. This age group is the one that is most frequently involved in fireworks-related injuries. (Source: American Pyrotechnics Association)

Don’t let dangerous sparks ruin the “razzle-dazzle” of your New Year’s celebration!