Milton Urges Caution With 4th of July Fireworks

MILTON, GA — With Independence Day celebrations just hours away, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department is reminding residents to practice fire safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 280 people go to the emergency room each day to be treated for injuries during the month surrounding the 4th of July holiday.

If your holiday plans include using consumer fireworks, Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar asks residents to be careful, aware and courteous of one's neighbors.

Mayor Joe Lockwood, a horse owner and animal lover, also emphasized the importance of residents considering nearby neighbors with large outdoor animals and small indoor pets who may be vulnerable to the sights and sounds of fireworks.

While there's no doubt that a fireworks display can be exciting for many people, fireworks can be less enjoyable for both large and small animals and even some veterans. Fireworks are legal in the state of Georgia and permitted on July 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on both days. However, there are some restrictions on their usage:

• You cannot use fireworks in/on a public road.
• You also cannot use fireworks within 100 yards of a(n): gas station, fuel tank or other retail/storage facility with flammable or combustible liquids; an electric substation, water treatment plan, or waste-water treatment facility; a hospital, nursing home, or other health care facility; or any public use air facility.
• Within any county or city park, historic site, recreational area, or other property, unless the county or city has granted a special use permit.
• While under the influence of alcohol or any drug to the extent that it is unsafe to use consumer fireworks.

The Milton Police Department is authorized to enforce these regulations in the interest of public safety. Edgar encourages parents not to allow children to ignite fireworks, to keep everyone at a safe distance, and to always read the labels carefully before igniting any fireworks.

You should also remember that embers can burn in the packaging even after the fireworks are done, and used fireworks in a trash can smolder unseen for several hours. Used fireworks should be watered down and stored away from the house or any flammable structures/materials after the festivities end.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission also shares the following fireworks safety tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

For a fire-related emergency, please call 911. For more information on fireworks or for any non-emergency fire and safety related concern, please contact the Milton Fire-Rescue Department at 678-242-2541 during normal business hours or by email at fire.marshal@cityofmiltonga.us.

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