Everything you need to know before buying and setting off fireworks in the River Region

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, many will want to have their own personal blasts with fireworks. But before lighting them up, be aware that some cities, including Montgomery, have regulations that make their use illegal in city limits. 

Here's where you can buy them in the River Region and where you can set them off legally.

Where you can buy fireworks in or near the River Region

• BAM Profireworks: 5675 Chana Creek Road, Tallassee — 334-467-9464 bam-profireworks.business.site
• Big Daddy’s Fireworks: 966 U.S. 231 Wetumpka — 334-514-4928
• Huston's Fireworks: 4340 Alabama 14, Millbrook — 334-391-3759
• Jones Fireworks: 10860 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka — 334-531-2172
• SIP Fireworks: 14027 Vaughn Road, Pike Road — 334-309-7229 sipfireworks.com
• TNT Fireworks: 6050 Troy Highway, Pike Road — 334-281-3889. Nearby, they have stands at 3045 Hwy 31 in Marbury, and 1415 7th St. South in Clanton. Novelty items are available in several in Winn Dixie locations. tntfireworks.com 
• USA Fireworks: Seven locations in and near the River Region area — 1664 Highway 31 N., Prattville; 9787 Holtville Road, Wetumpka (Slapout community); 23 County Road 375, Hope Hull (faces Highway 80); 16 Hobbie Road, Snowdoun; 3031 Aztec Road, Greenville; 3015 Citizens Parkway, Selma; and 17562 Montgomery Highway, Highland Home. Call 205-258-8075 to get directed to a stand near you. 

Are personal fireworks legal to use here?

• YES: Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties: Personal fireworks use is allowed in rural county areas, but should be monitored by adults and used with caution. 
• NO: Montgomery, Prattville and Wetumpka: It is illegal to store, sell or use fireworks within the city limits of Montgomery, Prattville and Wetumpka without proper permits. Enjoy the official fireworks shows instead.
• YES: Millbrook: There are no laws banning the use of fireworks within city limits, but authorities urge caution when using them. 
• MAYBE: Pike Road: While there are no ordinances prohibiting fireworks in Pike Road, homeowner associations in the area may have regulations limiting when and where they can be used. Check with your community to see if it allows them, and be mindful of your neighbors. 

Fireworks safety tips

If you plan to set off personal fireworks, here are tips to keep safe:

• Store them in a cool, dry space. 
• Follow the fireworks package instructions. 
• Do not let children handle fireworks or set them off. Even sparklers can be dangerous.
• Don't try to shoot off several at once. Consumer fireworks are designed to be shot one at a time.
• Be aware of your surroundings and don't set off fireworks around people or things that could catch fire. 
• Keep a water source handy, like a garden hose or a bucket. 
• Don't stand over fireworks while you light them
• Protect your eyes by always wearing safety glasses while lighting fireworks.
• If you're shooting things like rockets or Roman candles, don't shoot them from bottles or cans.
• NEVER hold fireworks while they're firing. If they explode in your hands, they can cause severe injuries or death. 
• If a device doesn't go off as expected, do not attempt to relight it. 
• Alcohol and fireworks are a bad combination. Have a designated fireworks lighter who isn't drinking. 

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at sheupel@gannett.com.