July 4 fireworks a public safety concern

However, if residents decide to use legal fireworks elsewhere, these are the emergency services department's safety recommendations:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• 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 fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• 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.

“All of us at Barrow County Emergency Services want to wish you all a Happy Independence Day,” Dakin said. “May we all have a safe, fun holiday, and may we take some time to remember those that sacrificed so our great country can be independent and free.”