Milton Fire Department Shares Fireworks Safety Tips

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A new state law regulating the types of fireworks authorized for usage and sale in Georgia went into effect on Wednesday.

Additionally, the new law specifies the time periods authorized for fireworks usage. The Milton Fire Department wants to outline what this means for its citizens:

• The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.
• Authorized fireworks includes firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers and other combustibles and explosives of like construction.
• Sky lanterns, commonly referred to as Chinese lanterns, or any similar device which requires fire underneath for propulsion are specifically illegal.
• Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight. On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.
• Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes or blends gasoline.
• Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar warns residents that every year thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death, Edgar added.

According to a new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 230 fireworks injuries a day during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. The National Fire Protection Association also reports more fires are called in on Independence Day than any other day of the year. More than 40 percent of these fires are caused by fireworks.

If you plan on using fireworks, the Milton Fire Department recommends you follow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s fireworks safety tips. They include how to safely and properly handle the small explosives and keeping young children away from sparklers, which can burn at 2,000 degrees.

For more information on fireworks safety in Milton, contact Fire Marshal Matthew Marietta at (678) 242-2541 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

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Image via Patch