New Fireworks Law Gives July 4th More Bang in GA

A new Georgia law that went into effect July 1 will allow for the sale, purchase and use of consumer fireworks just in time for the July 4th holiday.

According to the new law, consumer fireworks, or devices that explode or launch into the air, are now legal to purchase in Georgia, but only from “brick-and-mortar” storefronts.

Also:

• Fireworks can only be sold or used by persons 18 years of age or older.
• Fireworks cannot be used indoors.
• Fireworks can be used daily 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 a gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

The new law has drawn concerns from local fire agencies, who fear the combination of dry vegetation and enthusiastic celebrants could lead to dangerous situations on Independence Day.

Fire officials express concern that sparks from store-bought fireworks could ignite fires endangering nearby buildings or people, so many suggest leaving it to the professionals.

If you do plan to light fireworks at home, be sure to follow the recommendations below by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Only those 18 and older can legally use fireworks in Georgia.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• 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.