Since the city of Chamblee has cancelled its fireworks celebration and show due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people may turn to at-home fireworks. City officials encourage those who do to follow strict safety guidelines. According to the National Safety Council, in 2017, an estimated 12,000 people were injured badly enough to require medical treatment, and half of those were under the age of 20. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year.
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
- Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
- Light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Do not allow any running or horseplay around fireworks.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that do not go off, or in case of fire.
- Do not bring your animal near fireworks.
- If you know that your pet will suffer from severe anxiety caused by the loud noise of fireworks, talk to your vet about giving your pet a mild tranquilizer.
- If your pet behaves nervously, distract it by playing with him or doing something he enjoys. Do not stroke, pet or reassure him by saying, "Don't worry. It's okay." This may actually reinforce your pet's anxious behavior.
- Make sure your pet always wears an appropriately fitted collar (you should be able to slip no more than two fingers beneath your dog's collar; your cat should be wearing a stretch or safety collar) and an identification tag with your current phone number and address.
In the city of Chamblee, approved fireworks may be used any day of the week between the hours of 10 a.m.l to 9 p.m. There is no ordinance extending the use beyond 9 p.m. except for the four days permitted by state law: 9 to 11:59 p.m. on July 3 and July 4; 9 to 11:59 p.m. on De.c 31 and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Information: www.chambleega.gov or 770-986-5010.
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