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SAFETY
101FIREWSAORFEKTSY
If fireworks are on your holiday agenda, make sure you know when and how to enjoy them.
THE SEASON OF celebration is »» Light fireworks one at a time. An SAY NO TO
upon us, and for some, that may elaborate display can get out of CELEBRATORY GUNFIRE
mean enjoying fireworks displays control quickly.
as a family. While shooting a gun in the air may sound harmless
»» Never light fireworks indoors. to some, the action may actually present significant
In Georgia, you may use novelty The red-hot displays—sparklers danger to everyone in the area. What goes up must
fireworks throughout the calendar included—should be enjoyed come down, and bullets that come down from being
year between the hours of 10 a.m. and outside only. shot into the air can cause injury or property damage.
11:59 p.m. Local legislation may restrict
these hours somewhat, except during »» Wear eye protection if you are near “The bullets you shoot into the air are projectiles
holidays such as New Year’s Eve. the fireworks or setting them off. that can end up anywhere, including in homes and
“The best way to protect places of worship,” says Kristal Smith, Trauma Injury
Additionally, using fireworks within Prevention and Outreach Coordinator at Navicent
100 yards of certain facilities is illegal. families is to attend public Health. “At no time is shooting firearms into the air
These include electric substations, gas displays and leave lighting to the appropriate or safe.”
stations, hospitals and nursing homes. professionals,” says Kristal Smith,
Fireworks are also illegal in parks Trauma Injury Prevention and
and on historic or state properties, Outreach Coordinator at Navicent
and setting them off while under Health. “All fireworks, if handled
the influence of drugs and alcohol is inappropriately, can cause injury.”
against the law.
If a fireworks-related injury does
SAFETY TIPS FOR FAMILIES occur, call 911 immediately. Fast
action from a professional medical
Remember to approach fireworks with team can help minimize the impact of
caution. Bottle rockets and sparklers, bleeding, burns and trauma.
for example, can cause a variety of
complications, including severe burns KEEP COURTESY IN MIND
and projectile injuries. The hands, eyes
and head are the areas of the body at While holidays may mean that
the greatest risk. fireworks displays go on later
in the evening, be aware of your
If you choose to set off your own surroundings and your neighbors.
legal fireworks, take care to make Pets may be startled by loud displays.
safety a priority. Some key tips Individuals with post traumatic stress
include: disorder (PTSD) may also be negatively
»» Do not wear loose clothing if you impacted.
are planning to be near or set off “Many fireworks sound like gunfire,”
fireworks. Smith says. “Know your neighbors, and
»» Keep water close by to drench be respectful.”
fireworks that do not go off.
»» Never let small children handle FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
fireworks, including sparklers and THE EMERGENCY CENTER,
small novelties, and keep a close eye NAVICENT HEALTH, VISIT WWW.
on teenagers who handle them. NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/SERVICE-
CENTER/EMERGENCY-CENTER.
WINTER 2019 | navicenthealth.org 11
