City Urges Citizens to Play it Safe on the Fourth

Valdosta Fire Chief J.D. Rice wants to remind citizens to play it safe this Fourth of July weekend.  Although sparklers and similar non-explosive fireworks are legal in Georgia, citizens are urged to use extreme caution when handling these during the upcoming festivities.

Two-thirds to three-fourths of all fireworks injuries occur during the four-week period surrounding Independence Day.  In addition, fireworks usually start more fires nationwide than all other causes combined.

  Rice offers the following safety tips for using legal fireworks:

Only adults should handle the fireworks. Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions, warning, and cautions.

Only light the fireworks outdoors, and be sure everyone is at a safe distance before lighting the fireworks.

Only light one firework at a time.

Never put any part of your body over a firework.

Never re-light a firework that has malfunctioned.  Soak with water and throw away.

Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher on hand.

Be sure to wear safe clothing—nothing loose or bulky.

Never point, throw or shoot fireworks at or towards people, buildings, vehicles, or any other flammable material.

Remember to call 9-1-1 immediately for emergencies.

Georgia law states that the definition of acceptable fireworks includes: wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which 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; snake and glow worms; and trick noise makers, which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at the community event where trained professionals are handling them,” said Rice, whose staff will pre-inspect the firework shooting site prior to the show and will be on standby with department fire engines and an arial truck for emergency purposes.  “We are confident this July 4 event, sponsored by the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority, will be a safe event for everyone to enjoy.”

Rice said thousands of people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for firework-related injuries, and most of those incidents involve children.  People should be reminded that the sale and use of most types of fireworks—including firecrackers, skyrockets, and cherry bombs—are illegal in Georgia and punishable by a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. F