Claiborne Fireworks, Inc.
P.O. Box 181
Homer, LA 71040
Fred Lewis (318) 927-9180
Dick Dorrell (318) 927-4400

Boat Parade Participants to Gather at Pleasure Point
Off Peterson Rd
 
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Great View of Fireworks - Lake Claiborne Spillway
End of Spillway Rd
 
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Lake Claiborne Boat Parade, Fireworks show this weekend

Officials urge extreme caution, safety this year

 

Boat Parade, Fireworks Activities

• Boat Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Lineup begins at 7 p.m. at Pleasure Point Marina

• Fireworks Show begins at 9 p.m. on Lake Claiborne Dam

For more information, please call Fred Lewis at 927-9180 or Dick Dorrell at 927-0039.

 

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Fourth of July Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is just around the corner, slated for this Saturday.

With boats lining up at 7 p.m. at Pleasure Point, the boat parade will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Also to note, the first 50 boats will receive a free 2009 Claiborne Parish Boat Parade and Fireworks Show hat. These hats are on sale at Pleasure Point, Parden’s Paradise and Homer Loans for $15 each.

Boats will leave Pleasure Point at 7:30 p.m., where the parade route will continue from there to Port-Au-Prince, Parden’s Paradise, the Coleman Creek Subdivision, Public Boat Launch off Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road), Lake Claiborne State Park, and Sport Point. No jet skis will be allowed.

Parade participants are asked to decorate boats in patriotic themes with red, white, and blue. They are asked to follow in a single line along the shoreline so all spectators will have a great view.

Again, no jet skis will be allowed in the parade.

 

Fireworks

Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher is reminding Claiborne Parish citizens that Louisiana is still under a statewide burn ban.

With the Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show just around the corner, Butcher is advising extreme caution this year when shooting fireworks.

Conditions are very dry and hot, the perfect combination for an uncontrolled fire.

According to the state fire marshal, the only way someone can burn is to gain permission from their local fire chief. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Butcher said people can still shoot fireworks, but he is strongly advising that revelers have a water supply close by.

“It is a good idea to have a bucket of water close by in order to douse any leftover casings from fireworks that might still smolder,” Butcher said. “It is also a good idea to wet down the ground surrounding where the fireworks will be shot. An even better idea is to go to Lake Claiborne and watch the fireworks show on July 4.”

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, statistics show that in 2007, more than 9,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries. Fifty-six (56) percent of those injuries were reportedly to extremities (arms and legs) while 36 percent of injuries were to the head. Statistics also show that 49 percent of the fireworks injuries were burns while 29 percent were lacerations (cuts) or contusions (bruises).

Some other tips provided by the National Council on Fireworks Safety include:

• Use fireworks outdoors only.

• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

• Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”

• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Adult supervision is also strongly advised when shooting fireworks. Butcher also says that a little common sense goes a long way.

“Please use extreme caution when shooting fireworks,” Butcher said.

More information can be found on these websites: www.nfpa or www.fireworksafety.com. Also, for those who wish to burn, please contact the local fire chief to gain permission.

 

Boating

Boaters need to follow a few rules to ensure everyone’s safety.

Boat owners need to make sure they are prepared for the boat parade and outings on the lake by making sure their running lights operate properly and that sufficient life jackets are on board. The number of life jackets on board should equal the number of occupants on the boat. Children aged 12 and under must wear a properly secured life jacket at all times while on the water.

A new law has also gone into effect, that states for boats 16 feet long or smaller, the driver and all passengers must wear a life jacket as well as the kill switch. In the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 76, Part XI, section 2:111(C)(1)(2), says, “No person shall operate a Class A or Class One motorboat with a hand tiller outboard motor in excess of 10 horsepower designed to have or having an engine cut-off switch, while the engine is running and the motorboat is underway, unless: 1. the engine cut-off switch is fully functional and in operable condition; and 2. the engine cut-off switch link is attached to the operator, the operator’s clothing, or if worn, the operator’s personal flotation device.”

Also, the code states, “All persons onboard a Class A motorboat which is being propelled by a hand tiller outboard motor shall be required to wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device while the motorboat is underway.”

At nightfall, boaterss are required to have their white running lights on when the boat is not running and while watching the fireworks display.

When the show is over, boaters are asked to take their time leaving and watch for other boats. The lake will be shut down while the parade is in progress.

Also, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be on patrol to make sure all boating safety laws are observed.

Sheriff Ken Bailey, along with LDWF, is asking that during the parade, all swimmers - especially children - be on their docks. Because of the larger boats this year, Bailey is requesting this for the children's safety as well as adults.

Sgt. Kenny Balkom, of Wildlife and Fisheries, cautions boaters about following the rules.

“The rules of the road apply to the water as well,” Balkom said.

 

Be safe when shooting fireworks this weekend

 

The Guardian-Journal

Independence Day is this Friday, and Claiborne Parish officials are asking all citizens to be safe this year when shooting fireworks.

Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said it is important that children always have adult supervision when shooting fireworks.

“The best thing to do is to use common sense,” Butcher said. “If you have doubts, don’t do it. Children should always have adult supervision when shooting fireworks.”

He also warns that it is not safe to hold fireworks in your hands and don’t put fireworks in glass containers.

In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

Always read and follow label directions;

Have an adult present;

Buy from reliable sellers;

Use outdoors only;

Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket);

Never experiment or make your own fireworks;

Light only one firework at a time;

Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water);

Never give fireworks to small children;

If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place;

Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan;

Never throw or point fireworks at other people;

Never carry fireworks in your pocket;

Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers;

The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework; and

Stay away from illegal explosives.

Butcher and all Claiborne Parish officials wish all a safe and happy Fourth of July.