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New Year’s Fireworks: Safety Tips and Georgia Law

Be safe and follow the law when celebrating with fireworks this New Year’s Eve and Day.

Pro Roof GA

Between 2006 and 2021, firework related injuries increased by 25%. In 2021, an estimated 11,500 people were injured in incidents involving fireworks and at least 9 were killed. While a majority of firework related incidents occur during Fourth of July Celebrations, a significant amount occurs during the New Year’s holiday.

In recognition of the risk of fireworks, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is asking Georgians to follow the below tips for keeping yourself and others safe while celebrating the holidays.

  • Purchase fireworks from a licensed fireworks dealer.
  • Observe all state laws regarding the use of fireworks.(see below)
  • Read the labels carefully before igniting any fireworks.
  • Ensure that an adult supervises all firework activities.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
  • Light one firework at a time.
  • Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
  • Never try to relight a firework.
  • Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

Georgia Law Pertaining to Fireworks:

Dates and Times:

  • December 31 – Fireworks discharge is legal after 10:00 am until 11:59 pm.
  • January 1 – Fireworks discharge is legal from 12:00 midnight until 1:00 am, and then after 10:00 am until 11:59 pm.

Rule 120-3-22-.13 Use of Fireworks

Consumer fireworks may be used, ignited, or caused to be ignited on any day between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 11:59 P.M. unless during such times the noise from such use or ignition is not in compliance with a noise ordinance of a county or municipal corporation.

Exception 1: Consumer fireworks may be used, ignited, or caused to be ignited on January 1, the last Saturday and Sunday in May, July 3, July 4, the first Monday in September, and December 31 of each year after the time of 10:00 A.M. and up to and including the time of 11:59 P.M.; and on January 1 of each year beginning at the time of 12:00 Midnight and up to and including the ending time of 1:00 A.M.

Exception 2: After having obtained a special use permit as provided for in O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2(a)(3)(D).

Rule 120-3-22-.14 Unlawful Activity

(1) It shall be unlawful to use fireworks, consumer fireworks, or any items defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 25-10-1 indoors or within the right of way of a public road, street, highway, or railroad of this state.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, or partnership to sell or offer for sale consumer fireworks at a consumer fireworks retail sales facility, consumer fireworks retail sales store or a temporary consumer fireworks retail sales stand or wholesale distribution facility without maintaining the appropriate license.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, or partnership to sell consumer fireworks or any items defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 25-10-1 to any person under 18 years of age.
(4) It shall be unlawful to sell consumer fireworks from any motor vehicle or from a trailer towed by a motor vehicle, or from a tent, canopy, or membrane structure.
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to use or ignite or cause to be ignited or to possess, manufacture, transport, or store consumer fireworks, except that it shall be lawful for any person who is 16 or 17 years of age to possess or transport consumer fireworks, provided that such person is serving as an assistant to a distributor selling consumer fireworks from a temporary consumer fireworks retail sales stand or the nonprofit group directly participating in the operation of a temporary consumer fireworks retail sales stand and is not transporting such consumer fireworks on a highway which constitutes a part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
(6) It shall be unlawful to release or cause to be released any balloon, bag, parachute, or other similar device which requires fire underneath for propulsion or to release or cause to be released any floating water lantern or wish lantern which uses a flame to create a lighting effect in any public waterway, lake, pond, stream, or river.

 

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