Celebrating the New Year is a great time for families and friends to get together and celebrate the previous year and look forward to great things ahead. Across the country, that celebration includes fireworks, both at large event displays to people using them in their neighborhoods. If used improperly, though, they can cause eye injuries, burns, fires, and more.

This New Year’s Eve, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department wants you to celebrate safely, especially since fireworks have only been legal in Georgia a short period of time.

Fireworks Tips

• On New Year’s Eve, fireworks can only be used from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. (Legally, you must be at least 18 to use fireworks in Georgia.)
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a great danger.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees and can harm a child.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of a fire or other mishap.
• Discharge fireworks at a distance of 25 yards or greater from other properties.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass container.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Please refrain from using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not use fireworks indoors.