Caution Urged With Celebratory "Fun"

Despite it being against law in the state of Georgia, local safety officials say they know that some people will celebrate the New Year with fireworks. So they urge those residents to use extra caution, especially around children. “ Each year there are hundreds of people injured by fireworks in the United States,” says Carroll County Fire Department Deputy Chief Tyler Shadix. He says most snakes and glow-worms, and wire or wood sparklers are legal in the state but even those require extra attention.

“The hand-held sparklers burn 2,000 degrees and they’re inches from your hand,” says Shadix. “So, getting on your clothing and the dry foliage in your yard is always a risk for potential fire and injury.”

According to the office of Georgia’s Iinsurance and Safety Ffire Commissioner, the penalties for illegal fireworks are a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and/or a sentence of up to one year in jail.  Professional fireworks displays, such as the one to follow the Gold Nugget Drop in Villa Rica are permitted provided they are licensed through the local judge of probate court.

Another celebratory measure that has safety officials concerned is celebratory gunfire. Sgt. Marc Griffith with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office says “Our big concern is once someone fires their weapon into the air, they don’t know where that bullet is going to end up… and our community has grown over the years. We’re more urban. The population is greater, so there is a greater chance for property damage or serious injury to another person.”

“People have to remember that they are responsible when they fire that gun. They own that bullet and whatever damage it causes to property or persons, they are responsible for it,” Griffith says. “We just urge people to use common sense, you know. And if you’ve been drinking, definitely don’t get your gun out and start shooting because we want to have a safe holiday for everyone to enjoy.”