The Fourth of July is a happy time to celebrate the birthday of the greatest nation in the world: the United States of America.
Unfortunately, celebrations get out of hand. July 4th is a day when average folks “have a couple of beers” in the hot sun … and get behind the wheel to drive home … only to be stopped for Driving Under the Influence.
If you drink, don’t drive.
Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens wants you to use extreme caution to avoid injuries using fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
Sparklers and similar non-explosive fireworks are now legal in Georgia. That means it is now legal to blow your fingers off and set your neighbor’s roof on fire with bottle rockets … until you are arrested for arson and First Degree Stupidity.
Roughly 7,000 people end up in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries and most of those incidents involve children. Fireworks injuries spike around Independence Day.
Commissioner Hudgens offers the following safety tips for using legal fireworks:
- Always read and follow label directions
- Only use fireworks outdoors
- Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
- Only light one firework at a time
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
- Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Be sure to have water handy
- Never throw fireworks at another person
- Remember to call your local 911 for emergencies
REMEMBER: The sale and use of most types of fireworks, including firecrackers, skyrockets, and cherry bombs, are still illegal in Georgia and punishable by a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
