The State of Georgia has enacted a new fireworks law, HB 110, just in time for the 4th of July celebrations. The City of Douglas fire and police departments would like to encourage citizens to practice safety with fireworks and would like to make the public aware of a few facts about this new law.
The new state law allows for consumer fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia. Georgia’s Safety Fire Commissioner will issue a state license to sell fireworks after the applicant meets specific insurance and criminal background requirements and pays the state license fee.
Authorized fireworks include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers and other combustibles and explosives of like construction. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase.
Fireworks can be used during the hours of 10 a.m. to midnight. However, on January 1, July 3 & 4, and December 31, fireworks can be used during an extended time from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station or a facility that refines, processes or blends gasoline.
It is illegal to use any fireworks indoors. For all information in HB 110, please visit http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20152016/HB/110.
“We would like our citizens to enjoy their holiday and remember to be safe,” says Fire Chief Tim White. “Fireworks can be dangerous and deadly if used improperly.”
Celebrate safely by following some of these safety tips that are offered by the American Pyrotechnics Safety & Education Foundation.
Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks to young children, even sparklers. Only buy legal consumer fireworks from a licensed store, stand or tent. They typically have bright colored labels with the manufacturer’s name, directions and warnings. Read and follow directions on the labels. Never carry a firework in your pocket or shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container. Keep spectators at a safe distance. Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks. Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person. Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device. Only use fireworks outside, away from buildings and on a flat level, hard, fireproof surface that is free from debris. Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy. Light only one firework at a time and never approach or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time. When finished, allow used firework to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.
– Submitted copy