Officials Urge Caution With New Year's Fireworks

ATLANTA, GA — As we prepare to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome 2018 with open arms, the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s office is urging you to use extreme caution to avoid fires and severe injuries when using fireworks this holiday.

Dec. 31 provides an opportunity for over-the-top New Year's Eve celebrations and while it's tempting to give it a go at home, the recommended best course of action to avoid injuries is to attend a public fireworks display, said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens.

“Each year in the U.S., around 8,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries," he added.

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. Last year, 158 fireworks-related incidents were reported across the state. Those incidents include grass, brush, woodland, vehicle and mobile home fires.

Commissioner Hudgens offers the following fireworks 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.
• Never 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.

Locally, the Cherokee Marshal’s Office is reminding citizens that fireworks on normal days can only be ignited from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, for the New Year, that time is extended until 1 a.m. Jan. 1. The anticipated late-night fireworks show across the area will create a stressful time for your pets, so the Marshal's Office is sharing some tips on how you can keep them safe (courtesy of thatpetplace.com):

• Keep them indoors.
• Give the a safe place to hide such as a comfortable room.
• Use ambient noise from the radio or TV with soothing music to mask the sound.
• Be sure their microchips and IDs are up to date (just in case they escape).
• If you plan to attend a New Year's celebration, consider staying home with them instead.
• Keep them busy with treats or toys.

"This is one of the busiest times of year for pets to get loose and run away," the Marshal's Office added on its Facebook page.

For more information on laws governing the use of fireworks in Georgia, contact your local police or fire department.

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