Fireworks can be deadly if not used correctly - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Fireworks can be deadly if not used correctly

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By Ryan Houston - bio | email

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By Ryan Houston - bio | email

ALBANY,  GA (WALB) –And if you're planning on staying in Albany for this holiday weekend, be mindful of Georgia laws! Exploding fireworks are illegal in Georgia.

But there are still plenty of colorful sparklers to help you celebrate. It's important, though, that you use caution.

Sparklers are legal in Georgia. While they don't blow up on you like true fireworks can, they can still cause damage.

Hunter Rice loves watching Fireworks.

"It's fun to see when some of the fireworks spell out your name," said 9-year-old Hunter Rice. But when you use them at home, there are risks.

"Because we've seen the injuries and know what the injuries are," said FireChief James Carswell. That's one reason bottle rockets and rocket launchers are prohibited in Georgia.

"Everybody comes in asking for those but by law we can't sell them here but we do have others," said Fireworks Store Owner Mike Eagleman. There are some that are less dangerous.

"Only sparklers or ground displays are legal," said Carswell. When ever fire is involved there are always precautions to take.

"It's always safe to keep a bucket of water on hand in case a fire does start," said Eagleman. Safety is the keyword when it comes to using fireworks.

Last year not listening to that warning cost a family their home. "They shot it off and it went on a neighbors roof hit the building and burned it to the ground," said Carswell.

Katie Phillips thinks it's a lot safer to just go and watch a display of fireworks. She does this to protect her home and her family.

"Well it's always a lot more fun to go and watch the shows and they have bigger and better. Plus we don't have to worry about safety," said Parent Katie Phillips.

 There is no wrong way to celebrate our nation's independence. In whatever you do be sure to keep safe. @@

Always read the label before lighting fireworks. And adult supervision will keep down any injuries that could occur. In 2007, 98-hundred people nationwide were treated for firecracker related injuries.

50 Percent of those injuries happened to children 14 years old and younger. ©2010 WALB News. All rights reserved.    @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@