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July 3, 2009

Lighting up the skies

Some fireworks legal, but officials urge caution, safety

Jessica Luton

Without the annual fireworks display at the Milledgeville Mall this year, many area residents may be gearing up for their own July Fourth fireworks.

Baldwin County Fire Marshal Steve Somers cautioned consumers when using fireworks — as only specific types of are allowed in Georgia.

“The main thing we need to let them know is that they need to be sure that what they use is legal, not illegal,” he said. “The majority of the [fireworks] purchased outside of Georgia are illegal here. Basically, all that’s legal here is sparkler emitting fireworks and sparklers.”

According to Georgia law, only wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item, other sparkling items that are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes are legal.

“Fireworks such as Roman candles, bottle rockets and grenades are not legal here,” said Somers. “Just remember that although Georgia does allow light fireworks, you can still get in trouble for using illegal fireworks, such as those that are purchased outside of Georgia.”

According to a press release from the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, John W. Oxendine, the use of illegal fireworks is punishable by a sizable fine or jail time.

“The sale and use of most types of fireworks, including firecrackers, skyrockets and cherry bombs, is still illegal in Georgia,” said Oxendine, “and punishable by a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.”

In addition to abiding by Georgia law on the use of fireworks, it’s important to use caution and be aware of area surroundings when using fireworks.

According to 2004 statistics from the state fire marshal’s office, approximately 7,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries — and most of those injuries were to children.

“Fireworks can be a lot of fun as long as they’re are used outdoors, safely and away from children. It’s also important to be careful of your surroundings and be aware of dry grass and woods,” said Somers. “Fireworks usually start more fires than any other cause at this time.”

In addition, it’s important to follow the directions on the fireworks packaging and never attempt to re-light a firework that has malfunctioned.

“Always read and follow the directions on the label of the fireworks you’re using,” he said. “ Also, there are a lot of cases where people are injured or burned by trying to re-light a firework that malfunctioned or didn’t light.”

To avoid starting a fire after the entertainment is over, it’s important to make sure that the fireworks are out.

“The best thing to do before you throw them away, is to drop them in a bucket of water and make sure that they’re completely out,” he said. “Don’t pick them up hot or throw them into a trash can while they’re still hot.”

Somers stressed the importance of making sure that small children are a good, safe distance from the fireworks.

“Be familiar with your surroundings and keep an eye on small children,” he said. “Keep children far enough away so they won’t get injured. We certainly hope that nobody gets burned or injured.”

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