4th of July: State Shares Fireworks Safety Tips

CARTERSVILLE, GA — If your Independence Day celebration involves using fireworks, the state wants you to follow important guidelines that will keep you, your loved ones and neighbors safe.

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens notes the "safest way" to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display, as about 11,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for fireworks-related injuries.

In 2015, the sale and use of most consumer types of fireworks, which include firecrackers, skyrockets, and Roman candles, became legal to use in Georgia. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 200 fireworks injuries a day during the month surrounding the 4th of July holiday.

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 restrictions 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.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

The state also encourages you to abide by the following safety suggestions:

• Purchase fireworks from a licensed fireworks dealer.
• Observe all state laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Read the labels carefully before igniting any fireworks.
• Ensure that an adult supervises all firework activities.
• Never allow children to ignite fireworks.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• ever try to relight a firework.
• Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
• Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise, and lights can cause fear and stress.

For more on laws governing the use of fireworks in Georgia, contact your local police or fire department. To find a licensed fireworks dealer in your area, call the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office at 404-656-2298.

Image via Shutterstock