Safety Tips for Fireworks

As of July 1, 2015, all consumer fireworks are legal in Georgia. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King urges citizens to use extreme caution to avoid injuries when using fireworks.

Consumer fireworks are defined as any small fireworks device designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion as approved by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Examples of legal fireworks are firecrackers, skyrockets, sparklers, and similar devices.

Two-thirds to three-fourths of all fireworks injuries occur during the four-week period surrounding Independence Day. On the Fourth of July itself, fireworks usually start more fires nationwide than all other causes combined. Approximately 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries and most of those incidents involve children.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King offers the following safety tips for using legal fireworks:

• Always read and follow label directions
• Only use fireworks outdoors
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Only light one firework at a time
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Be sure to have water handy
• Never throw fireworks at another person
• Remember to call your local 911 for emergencies

*Please find more information attached from the NFPA.