Crime & Safety

Fireworks Safety Tips From the Gwinnett Fire Department

Stay safe this New Years when handling sparklers.

As Christmas celebrations give way to New Year plans, the Gwinnett County Fire Department offers advice on how to safely use fireworks and sparklers this season.

According to the department, statistics show that in 2010 there were an estimated 8,600 injuries caused by fireworks treated in the U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

While the only type of fireworks legal in Georgia are sparklers, the National Fire Protection Association reports that sparklers can cause serious burn injuries. They burn at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and are typically viewed by parents as relatively harmless fireworks for children, according to Gwinnett Fire.

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Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, Gwinnett Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief Steve Hrustich and Georgia State Fire Marshal Dwayne Garriss demonstrated the safe use of fireworks. TNT Fireworks provided the sparklers.

Check out the video above for the demonstration by Gwinnett Fire. The county fire department also offers the following safety tips when handling fireworks:

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-The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays hosted by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.

-Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

-Do not give children sparklers or allow them to pick up fireworks or other novelty items.

-If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.

-Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

-Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

-Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

-Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does no go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose it.


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