Capt. Keith Smith, Division Chief for the Gainesville Fire Department, has been watching the forecast for New Year's Eve. He sees that it calls for rain, but he doesn't expect the wet weather to squelch the enthusiasm of local residents who want to celebrate the holiday with fireworks.
To that end, the department is reminding revelers to take precautions if they plan to use sparklers or other legal fireworks to ring in 2017.
Smith said the risk for fireworks injuries is greatest for young children and for young adults.
"Just like everything else children do, they're inquisitive, they say 'oh,let me do it,'" said Smith. However, he said every child should be supervised by an adult when using fireworks.
Smith said another at-risk group is adults 25-44.
"I hate to admit that more typically, it's the men who are injured. We tend to be a little bit braver than maybe we should sometimes," Smith said.
For awhile, it appeared there might not be the opportunity for fireworks use in Georgia because of extremely dry conditions across the state. However, on December 20, Gov. Nathan Deal lifted a temporary ban on the use of personal fireworks, following several days of rainfall in many parts of Georgia.
Typically, fireworks may be used in Georgia between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight each day of the year. This weekend, however, fireworks may be used on December 31 and January 1 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m.
Here's a list of safety tips for fireworks use from the Gainesville Fire Department:
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
- Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and/or charged water hose nearby.
- Never ignite a firework in your hand and then attempt to throw it.
- Ignite fireworks in an area clear of people, structures, trees and power lines.
- Remember to call 911 for emergencies.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/12/484871/wet-weather-may-dampen-new-years-fireworks-officials-still-urge-caution