Huntsville city officials would prefer residents attend events with fireworks displays during the Fourth of July rather than shooting their own.

“But we also realize that folks are going to do it anyway,” City Administrator John Hamilton said at last week’s City Council meeting.

“I would encourage people if you continue to do it, try to be smart about it,” he said. “Generally speaking, alcohol and fireworks don’t go well together. … Be conscious of where the children are, where the pets are, things like that. Be smart about what you do.”

Hamilton encourages residents to go online to find out what fireworks are legal to be shot within the city limits.

“In simple terms, things like sparklers and small things that stay on the ground are generally authorized by the ordinance,” he said. “If it stays on the ground, it’s generally going to be OK. Things that are not going to be OK are anything that launches, anything that shoots, or bottle rockets, things like that, small or large, certainly anything that creates a large percussive event are not.”

According to the city’s website, nonexplosive, nonaerial sparkling devices both ground-based and handheld can be used and purchased in the city limits. View here for the detailed fireworks ordinance.

“For many, barbecues and backyard fireworks are a tradition, and when used responsibly and legally, provide safe family fun,” Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson said.

To safely use fireworks, Wilkerson said residents should follow these safety tips:

• Never give fireworks to young children
• Have a working hose and/or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or hold lighted fireworks in your hand
• Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container
• Keep spectators at a safe distance and never aim or throw fireworks at another person
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework – even when lighting
• Light only one firework at a time
• Stay sober. Never mix fireworks with alcohol or drug consumption
• Never approach or try to re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time

Hamilton also urges dog owners to secure their pets during the holiday.

“We always have a spike in loose animals following July 4th or other holidays where there might be a lot of fireworks because they get scared and find a way to get out and run the streets,” he said.

Councilwomen Michelle Watkins and Jennie Robinson also ask residents to me mindful of neighbors who are veterans who might suffer from PTSD.

Fourth of July fireworks displays

• Village of Providence celebration begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.
• Red, White and BOOM at the Athens Sports Plex will be 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• The Fourth of July Bash at the North Alabama Gin in Hazel Green is 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
• The Independence Day celebration at Mid City is 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (fireworks scheduled at 9:30 p.m.
• The Trash Pandas Fourth of July Festival is 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Toyota Field.
• The Spirit of America fireworks display is 9 p.m. at Point Mallard Park in Decatur.