Canton Shares 4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips

CANTON, GA — If your Independence Day celebration involves using fireworks, the city of Canton wants to remind you of some laws and tips designed to keep you, your loved ones and neighbors safe.

The state has laws in place that restrict the use of fireworks. Consumer fireworks can be used on any day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are exceptions in place, however. Users can set off fireworks after 9 p.m. and up to 11:59 p.m. July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31 and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Other exceptions include:

• No fireworks in/on a public road.
• No fireworks within 100 yards of a(n): gas station or fuel tank; electric substation; any county or city park, historic site, recreational area, or other property, unless the county or city has granted a special use permit; and within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare facility.
• No fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or any drug to the extent that it is unsafe to use consumer fireworks.

The Canton Police Department responds to numerous noise violation calls for service during the 4th of July holiday due to people shooting off fireworks into the early morning hours.

"We ask our citizens to please adhere to the legal cut off time for fireworks on July 3 and 4, which is 11:59 p.m.," the city added on its Facebook page. "We trust this will minimize this type of call activity and also preserve the peace for city residents during the early morning hours.

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Here are some other fireworks safety tips the city has shared:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
• Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the police department.

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