FIREWORKS SAFETY

As you know fireworks are an American tradition. They can provide hours of wholesome, family entertainment, but must be used by adults carefully and safely. To insure the safety of both the audience and those lighting the fireworks, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office recommends that you obey the following fireworks safety measures during your fireworks display.

1. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT HANDLE FIREWORKS.
NEVER LET CHILDREN HANDLE, PLAY WITH, OR LIGHT ANY FIREWORKS. ONLY ADULTS SHOULD HANDLE AND LIGHT THE FIREWORKS. The fireworks are great family fun, but they burn very hot and are intended to be handled only by adults.

2. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL WITH FIREWORKS.
Please do not consume any alcohol while lighting or handling fireworks. Fireworks must be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others.

3. FOLLOW THE LAWS; USE COMMON SENSE
Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks, and use good common sense when using fireworks. Read all directions, cautions, labels, and warnings on each individual firework item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with it. Use only those fireworks permitted under the laws of the state and local jurisdiction in which you are using the fireworks.

Georgia Code 25-10-1, Chapter 10

Georgia Law: Prohibits the use of Firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, roman candles, bombs, and sparklers.

Georgia Law: Permits the use of Sparklers up to 100 grams each; fountains (items that say ‘Emits Showers of Sparks’ up to 200 grams total for multiple tube items or 75 grams for each individual tube; snakes, glow worms, snappers, party poppers.

4. USE FIREWORKS ON A HARD SURFACE.
Always light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to insure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable for any item intended to be used in an upright position. (If lighting fireworks on grass, lay down a flat wooden board for a shooting surface.)

5. USE IN A CLEAR, OPEN AREA.
Always keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site. Always light your fireworks in a clear open area away from buildings, vehicles, and shrubbery. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended. You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire or near any flammable items. Never use fireworks indoors. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

6. KEEP CLEAR OF THE FIREWORKS.
Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far from the firework item as possible when lighting.

7. USE CARE IN LIGHTING THE FIREWORKS.
Always light fireworks products with an extended lighting device. This will enable you to keep as far from the firework item as possible. If needed, use a flashlight at night so the fuse can be easily seen; never use a lantern or other flame producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the fireworks product and get away quickly. Respect the fireworks, because if used improperly, they can be dangerous.

8. ONE AT A TIME.
Light only one firework item at a time.

9. DON'T USE MALFUNCTIONING OR "DUD" ITEMS.
Never attempt to re light, alter, or fix any "dud" firework item. If a firework item fails to ignite, let it stand for at least five minutes, then immerse it in water. Dispose of the item properly.

10. HAVE WATER CLOSE BY.
Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. During any fireworks shoot, there should always be one individual assigned as the fireman, whose sole job is to be alert and at the ready with a water source.

11. WINDY CONDITIONS.
Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions. Fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. If there is a significant wind shift during the time you are lighting the fireworks, rearrange the shooting site to accommodate the wind shift or stop shooting until the windy conditions subside.

12. USE CARE IN HANDLING FIREWORKS.
Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person. It is preferable to keep the products in a closed container before ignition. Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Never smoke when handling fireworks.

13. NEVER USE THE FIREWORKS AS WEAPONS.
Never aim, point, or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.

14. STORAGE OF FIREWORKS.
Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.

15. USE FIREWORKS OUTDOORS.
Never use fireworks indoors; only use them outdoors under safe conditions.

16. PURCHASE FIREWORKS FROM RELIABLE DEALERS.
Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Licensed and reliable dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; do not make your own fireworks.

17. SAFETY GLASSES.
Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.

18. BE CAREFUL WITH ANIMALS.
The noise and lights of fireworks often frighten some animals, so it is very important that you are careful with pets and farm animals. You may want to consider moving the animals away or keeping them inside during your display. Please be considerate of your pets and animals when using fireworks.

19. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY FIRE/INJURY.
Don’t hesitate to call emergency personnel. A quick response to an emergency situation or out of control fire could make a difference between a spoiled or fun holiday.

The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office wants you and your family to have a fun and enjoyable experience with your consumer fireworks, and the only way to insure that safe experience is to follow all of the safety rules. Please use your consumer fireworks safely.

Note: Consumer fireworks are officially referred to as UNO336 1.4G fireworks. They used to be called Class C or common fireworks. The definitions and standards for the consumer fireworks are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Source: Captain Danny Peck Uniform Patrol Commander, Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office (706) 864-0414 ext. 566. e-mail:dpeck@lumpkinsheriff.com