With New Year's Day falling on a Monday to start 2018, and thus giving many workers a three-day weekend to start the new year, it's fair to expect the festivities might be a little rowdier than normal come New Year's Eve.
That includes an expected uptick in the number of people shooting off fireworks to celebrate the coming of 2018, and Bryan Cash, Hall County Fire Marshal, is hoping those who do will do so responsibly.
"Some of it seems, common sense, but we have to cover these items because sometimes people forget them," said Cash in an interview with AccessWDUN.
A few common safety tips include:
- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Fireworks should only be used by someone 18 years or older.
- Keep a bucket of water handy to soak used fireworks and to put out any fires, should something go wrong.
- Do not approach or re-light a "dud" that doesn't explode. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then discard it into your water bucket.
- Sparklers should only be used by people 12 and older.
- Shoot fireworks on sturdy, level ground, preferably concrete or asphalt in an open area.
- Have a designated "shooter." Whoever is shooting the fireworks should not be drinking.
"Safety just comes down to using some common sense, using some good judgment," said Cash.
From a legal perspective, fireworks may be shot until 1 a.m. New Year's Eve night. Every other night of the year, excluding July 4th, fireworks may only be shot until 9 p.m.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/12/619832/hall-county-fire-marshal-use-caution-with-new-years-fireworks