Even though fire officials issue safety reminders for the Fourth of July every year, they know people tend to forget when they're distracted by the festivities of the summer holiday, so they repeat them, hoping folks will heed the warnings.
For 2020, the risk of fireworks injuries is higher, according to Hall County Fire Services officials, because the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to most professional shows; that means residents are buying their own fireworks in higher numbers. [See list of tips in the shaded box below.]
Hall County issued an informational video featuring Fire Marshal Bryan Cash offering suggestions for safe use of personal fireworks.
In addition to buying legal fireworks from a reputable dealer, Cash said it's important to know the law about where fireworks can be used.
"The law requires you to be at least 100 yards from certain facilities," Cash said. "Most medical facilities - including hospitals, doctors' offices - any kind of jail, any correctional facility...gas stations, utility facilities, such as gas, power and water treatment facilities, you gotta be at least 100 yards [away]."
Georgia law allows fireworks to be set off up until 11:59 p.m. on July 3 and July 4.
Hall County Fire Services Division Chief Zachary Brackett said fireworks are not the only fire safety hazard during Fourth of July celebrations; grilling can also be a problem. Again, the biggest issue is where grills are used. A grill needs to be used outdoors only and placed far away from the side of a residence.
"You have to remember that you're using a tool and that tool can sometimes malfunction," Brackett said in a Hall County Government podcast. "Even if you do everything right, something could go wrong with that grill and you don't want it to be so close to your home that it catches it on fire."
Brackett said grills should be cleaned prior to use to avoid grease fires. And, he said it's important to have a working fire extinguisher close by.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Obey local laws. Must be 18 years old to buy.
- Always have water handy (a hose or bucket) or a fire extinguisher.
- Shoot the fireworks on sturdy level ground (asphalt or concrete is best)
- Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water overnight.
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
- Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers can burn in excess of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the Fire Marshal or Sheriff’s Office.
- NEVER discard fireworks in the trash - soak them in a bucket of water overnight!
- Never use firearms for celebratory gunfire/firing into the air.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/7/916896/local-fire-officials-issue-holiday-safety-reminders-for-three-day-weekend