Holidays like the Fourth of July are beloved by many across the country. Some people hold barbecues, go to firework shows, or spend time with their loved ones. But, no matter how you plan on spending the holiday, you must know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Fourth Of July Celebrations
Many large cities across the country are planning their own Fourth of July celebrations this summer. With many people in attendance, it is vital to stay in the know about keeping you and your family safe. If you are planning on going to a Fourth of July celebration, keep these tips in mind:
- Follow guidelines set by the event planners- No matter who controls the event, there should be a list of guidelines for attendees to follow. Frequently these are advertised on social media. For example, they may tell you what items are permitted on the premises and what clothing is best to wear.
- Check the weather- Unfortunately, sometimes the Fourth of July falls on a day where your area may be expecting rain. Depending on the severity of the weather on that day, the show may be canceled. If it isn’t, it is up to your discretion whether or not you still plan to attend.
- Keep your family and friends safe- When going to large events, you never know who else may be in attendance. Although you may want to have a fun and relaxing time, you should also remain sober and alert. If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be more susceptible to those who wish you harm. The more alert you are, the more ready you will be to supervise your family and make sure that nothing goes awry.
Attending big firework shows is a great experience that will likely remain in your memory for a long time. Following these guidelines for big events can ensure that it is the best experience that it possibly can be for you and your loved ones.
Safety Tips For The Fourth Of July
Staying safe during this holiday is very important, especially with the surplus of dangerous explosives being set off all around you. If you are wondering how you can be proactive about your at-home safety on the Fourth of July, here are some tips to consider:
- Be careful when handling fireworks- Fireworks are dangerous explosives that should only be handled carefully. When handling fireworks, make sure to avoid aiming them at others, putting them in your pockets, and shooting them from metal or glass containers. Additionally, it is crucial you don’t combine fireworks to make a larger one.
- Pay attention to your appliances- Many holidays like the Fourth of July are accompanied by barbeques and large gatherings. You may become distracted by the people around you or by the firework displays in the sky and forget to pay attention to appliances like your grill. Before using the grill, make sure that nothing needs to be replaced or repaired. Once the grill is on and food is cooking, make sure that you are fully paying attention to what you are doing so that a fire doesn’t start.
- Keep an eye on children and pets- While fireworks can be unpredictable sometimes, children and pets can be more unpredictable. During the Fourth of July, children may be running around with sparklers or running around the grill. Make sure that you are watching the kids and making sure that they aren’t getting into fireworks that are dangerous or playing near a grill with an open flame. It is also essential to make sure that your pets stay away from the fireworks if you are setting them off at your private residence.
There are many things to consider when celebrating a holiday that involves fireworks. However, so long as you practice proper firework safety and ensure that the people around you are safe, you should be able to have a great and relaxing holiday.
Understanding The Laws In Your Area
Each state has different laws surrounding the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July. If you are curious about your state’s stance on setting off fireworks at your residence, you may want to refer to your state’s laws about it. Recently, laws surrounding this holiday have changed, so if you have previously checked this information, it is necessary to research it again to ensure that nothing has changed.
In Georgia, it is legal to set off fireworks any day of the year. Of course, noise ordinances are in place, but if fireworks are being set off on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or New Year’s Eve, they are allowed to be used from 10 am to 11:59 pm. While Georgia’s laws surrounding firework usage seem more lax than in other states, the state highlights that releasing fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. It is also illegal to set off fireworks in places like:
- Hospitals and nursing homes.
- Treatment plants.
- Jails.
- Gas stations.
- Refineries.
- Other state properties including historic areas, recreational areas, and parks.
If you are planning on setting fireworks off in a place that is not your private residence, it is beneficial for you to research if it is legal to do so in that area or if you need to apply for a permit.
Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer
Every year a large number of people experience an injury caused by fireworks. Whether the product was faulty or the negligence of another caused you harm, if you have been injured due to a firework accident, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer to help with your case. Depending on your injury and the circumstances surrounding it, you may be able to receive financial compensation.
The Eichholz Law Firm has experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you or a loved one who has been hurt due to firework negligence. Fill out our free case evaluation form for a consultation.