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How to safely celebrate with fireworks in Austin area on New Year's

Here are some tips if your New Year's Eve plans include fireworks.

DEL VALLE, Texas — Many are figuring out plans for their celebration for New Year's Eve. For a lot of people, this will include fireworks.

The American Fireworks Superstore in Del Valle, one of the main places to pick up fireworks in Central Texas, has about 450 different types of fireworks in many different shapes and sizes. Debra Cahill is the superstore coordinator and said the days leading up to New Year's Eve are some of the busiest days of the year.

"This season, we have a weekend going into New Year's Eve, so we will see a lot of traffic flow starting today," Cahill said.

While Cahill hopes business does well, she said her company works hard to put safety first -- including putting safety tips on the bags handed out with purchased fireworks.

"You have to do it safely and do it right," Cahill said. "Do not try to make homemade fireworks by disassembling something. Do not shoot off a firework that does not have the fuse intact or covered when you purchase it."

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Cahill also mentioned the safest fireworks are the ones that go the highest -- away from people on the ground. She advised to always have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby, just in case there are any issues.

Another key safety tip is to establish who will be the designated shooter -- a specific person who is setting off the fireworks at the right time and someone who knows exactly where all the spectators are.

"This way you know where everything is," Cahill said. "You do not have multiple people lighting at the wrong times, let's put it that way. You're totally in control. It can be great for your spectators, and you do not have to worry."

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