-
Public safety officials are offering guidance on fireworks to encourage safe and legal Fourth of July celebrations.
Public safety officials are offering guidance on fireworks to encourage safe and legal Fourth of July celebrations.
According to the Cleveland Police Department, fireworks can be set off on July 3 and 4 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. The CPD added that according to Georgia code, there are limits of when fireworks can be set off.
It is unlawful to use fireworks at the following locations:
• Indoors or within the right of way of a public road, street, highway, or railroad of this state
• Any location where such person … is not lawfully present or is not otherwise lawfully permitted
• Within 100 yards of an electric plant; water treatment plant; waste-water treatment plant; a facility engaged in the retail sale of gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids or gases
• Within 100 yards of the boundaries of any public use air facility
• Within any park, historic site, recreational area, or other property which is owned by or operated by, for, or under the custody and control of a governing authority
• Within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, or other health care facility
For more information on setting off fireworks, or exceptions, visit O.C.G.A. 25-10-2.
If you do set off fireworks, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King also provided some tips on how to do so safely.
Fireworks are the cause of more fires than all other causes, according to the office. There are approximately 7,000 people treated at the ER each year for injuries caused by fireworks, including children.
Other safety tips include:
• Always read the labels and follow the directions for each specific type of firework
• Light fireworks outdoors and a safe distance away from other people and fire hazards
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Do not give fireworks to small children
• Ensure that an adult supervises all firework activities
• If injuries and damages do occur, call 911
• Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby
• If you do not feel safe lighting your own fireworks, feel free to attend a public fireworks display
“Independence Day is a time of celebration and rejoicing in the founding of our country,” said King. “While it is a great time to get together with friends and family, it can also be dangerous if certain safety tips are not followed to avoid fires and severe injuries commonly associated with fireworks.”