Cartersville Fire Department Releases Fireworks Safety Tips

Sign up for the Cartersville Patch newsletter!

---

As the date in which a new law that allows consumers to purchase fireworks in Georgia approaches, the Cartersville Fire Department has released tips to share with residents on how they can safely enjoy the July 4th holiday.

The state legislature earlier this year enacted a new law that regulates the types of fireworks authorized for use and sale in the state.

House Bill 110, which goes into effect July 1, defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect.

This includes firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers and other combustibles and explosives of like construction.

With the new law, the state has tacked on some stipulations for residents to follow:

• Consumer fireworks will be allowed to be used each day between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight. On July 3, July 4, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, the curfew on setting off fireworks extends from midnight to 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.
• Fireworks may not be discharged indoors.
• Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks with a government issued ID showing the purchaser’s birth date and photo or physical description. This must be shown to the seller.
• The transaction must take place in person, face-to-face in order to legally purchase fireworks.
• Consumer fireworks stores and facilities must be licensed through the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office prior to selling consumer fireworks.
• Fireworks cannot be sold out of vehicles or trailers being towed by a vehicle.
• Temporary tent sales of consumer fireworks is not permitted until Jan. 1, 2016

If you choose to use consumer fireworks, the Cartersville Fire Department is urging you to follow these safety tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging; often, this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not gone off or fully functioned.
• 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 one item at a time, then move away quickly.
• After fireworks have gone off and fully functioned, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding, to prevent a trash fire.

For more information, contact Fire Marshal Mark Hathaway at 770-606-5305.

---

Image via Patch