Hudgens Urges Fireworks Safety This Weekend

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging caution for those using fireworks this July Fourth holiday weekend.

In 2015, the sale and use of most consumer fireworks, which includes firecrackers, skyrockets, and roman candles, became legal in Georgia.

Hudgens said that means anyone who chooses to use fireworks this year needs to make sure they know and observe all state laws regarding the use of fireworks.

“You only can set them off between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day of the year except July 3 and July 4, when you can continue to set off fireworks until midnight, but you cannot do it near power plants or water plants or historic sites or hospitals or jails or other public facilities,” said Hudgens. “You need to know where you are legal to set off fireworks.”

Also, Hudgens said people need to purchase fireworks only from a licensed fireworks dealer.

Once fireworks are purchased, Hudgens said people need to remember that safety is the most important thing.

“After you purchase them, you need to read the label,” said Hudgens. “You need to make sure that you have an adult supervising all of these activities. Do not ever give children a bunch of fireworks and say go have fun. That is very, very dangerous. We had 59 fireworks-related injuries last year across the state, but there was 8,000 people treated in hospitals from fireworks. That is across the United States. They are dangerous. We need to realize they are dangerous and we need to treat them like they are dangerous.”

Hudgens also urged people using fireworks to wear safety glasses when shooting them off, light only one firework at a time, only use fireworks in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles, never try to re-light a firework, have a garden hose or water bucket nearby, and use caution with animals and fireworks as the fireworks can cause fear and stress to the animal.