Local officials urge caution with fireworks

Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Local officials say they prefer that people who want to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July attend a public show organized by professionals, such as the one that will take place Thursday night at Heritage Point Park.

But if people decide to hold a private fireworks show, officials are urging “people to be responsible and safe, follow all instructions on fireworks packaging and make sure you’re obeying state law including making sure that only people 18 or older are shooting the fireworks and that nobody under the influence of alcohol or drugs is shooting off fireworks” said Bruce Frazier, communications director for the city of Dalton.

Under state law, “fireworks may be used, ignited or caused to be ignited on any day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. unless during such times the noise from such use or ignition is not in compliance with a noise ordinance of a county or municipal corporation.”

In a press release, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King encouraged Georgians to be cautious with fireworks.

“Every Independence Day, fire departments across Georgia are inundated with emergency calls due to firework-related accidents,” said King. “While celebrating the birth of our nation with friends and family, I encourage Georgians to be mindful of the dangers that fireworks can present.”

King offered these fire safety tips:

— Always read the labels and follow the directions for each specific type of firework.

— Light fireworks a safe distance away from other people and fire hazards.

— Never reignite or pick up malfunctioning fireworks.

— Do not give fireworks to small children.

— Never aim a firework at another person.

— Avoid using illegal or homemade fireworks.

— Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

— Do not use fireworks when impaired by drugs or alcohol.

— If you do not feel safe lighting your own fireworks, attend a public fireworks display.