Fireworks Safety Reminder Given By Sandy Springs Fire Department

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — With many July 4th events canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sandy Springs Fire Department wants to remind residents about safe use of fireworks at home.

Fireworks such as Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortar and skyrockets are projectiles designed to explode in the air. They can travel hundreds of feet from their launch site, emitting sparks or flames, and debris and can start a fire.

Certain fireworks create bright flashes of light and loud noises, which can be terrifying for pets and young children, and for individuals suffering from various medical conditions, such as PTSD.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals, and can easily ignite clothing. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that sparklers alone account for more than 25 percent of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.

Residents are strongly encouraged to use extreme care and common sense when using at-home fireworks, and to be considerate of neighbors.

A few tips from the National Safety Council:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• If fireworks start a fire call 911 promptly to report the fire

Under Georgia state law, fireworks are permitted on July 3 and July 4 between the hours of 10 a.m. to midnight. Fireworks may not be ignited on any public roadway; public right-of-way; government property, including parks and recreational areas; within 100-yards of any utility; within 100-yards of hospital, nursing homes, health care facilities; within 100-yards of any fuel dispensing station or places where flammable liquids are stored in excess of 500-gallons. Fireworks may not be sold to or used by anyone 18 years of age or younger.

For more information about the City of Sandy Springs, visit us online or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.

Related: Sandy Spring’s 4th Of July Fireworks 2020 Canceled