As the new year approaches and Georgians look for ways to celebrate, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is urging residents to “practice extreme caution” tonight when celebrating with fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, causing five deaths and $105 million in property damage. Hospital emergency rooms across the United States reported treating an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2018.
“The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show,” the NFPA says. “With many professional firework shows being canceled this year, it is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.”
Commissioner King asks Georgians to follow safety tips for keeping themselves and others safe while celebrating the incoming new year. King asks Georgians to purchase their fireworks from a licensed fireworks dealer, observe state laws surrounding firework use, read fireworks labels carefully before use and make sure there is always an adult supervising the use of fireworks.
King says when lighting and shooting fireworks, safety glasses should always be worn. Users should only light one firework at a time and they should never try to relight a firework; having a bucket of water or hose nearby is recommended. Fireworks should be used in clear, outdoor areas only, away from buildings and vehicles.
The NFPA suggests using firework alternatives, such as lighting up the night with glowsticks, noisemakers and silly string, which they say are fun for all ages.
