See Public July 4 Fireworks Displays To Be Safe, Cartersville Fire Officials Say

Thousands of people, but most often children and teens, are injured each Fourth of July using consumer fireworks, Cartersville Fire Department officials said in a press release. 

"Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks—devastating burns, other injuries, resulting fires and even death. 

That's why CFD—along with the National Fire Protection Agency—suggests families leave the fireworks to the professionals and attending public displays.

When are Fourth of July festivities in Cartersville? Check the details:

• July 4 Parade, Fireworks Set for Cartersville
• Fireworks over Allatoona (boat access only)
• Bartow Winds To Perform 'Celebration of Independence' at Cartersville Depot

Fireworks Facts and Figures

• In 2011 across the country, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

• In 2011, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 61 percent of fireworks-related injuries seen in emergency rooms in 2011 were to the extremities and 34 percent were to the head.

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children, ages 5 to 19, and adults, 25 to 44 years old, in an a typical year of a very comparable risk across much of the population.

• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Source: NFPA’s Fireworks report, by John R. Hall, Jr., June 2013

Fireworks: Did You Know?

• 92 percent of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use.

• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home—period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

• Kids should never play with fireworks. The risk of injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5 to 14.

• Sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

• Steer clear of others—fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

• Always have a bucket of water for duds and to cool sparkler sticks which can stay hot after they are out. Don’t throw firework debris in the trash right away soak it in water then wait 20 minutes before discarding.

• Think about your pet. Animals can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

Georgia Law defines any firework as illegal except:

• Wire or wood sparklers of not more than 100 grams of mixture per item,

• Other sparkling items that are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes,

• Snakes and glow worms.

• Trick noisemakers including: paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers and drop pops—each consisting of .25 grams or less of chemical composition.

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