Milton Fire Department Shares Fireworks Safety Tips

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Milton, GA -- The Milton Fire Department is encouraging its citizens to stay safe with fireworks this New Year’s, and to also be considerate of neighboring animals who may be spooked by loud noises.

This year, Georgia enacted a new law regulating the types of fireworks authorized for usage and sale in the Peach State. Additionally the new law specifies the time periods authorized for fireworks usage.

So, what does this mean for Milton 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, which include severe burns and other injuries, fires and even death.

If you plan on using fireworks, the fire department recommends you follow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s fireworks safety tips.

These tips include how to safely and properly handle the small explosives and keeping young children away from sparklers, which can burn at 2,000 degrees.

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Image via Shutterstock