July 4th is just around the corner. A wonderful time to celebrate our country’s independence with picnics, music, parades, and of course, fireworks.

Although fireworks can be great fun, they can also prompt a trip to the hospital. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees, presenting a serious burn danger. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends attending professional fireworks displays rather than using fireworks at home.

If your family does choose to use fireworks at home, take the following precautions to help ensure your child’s safety—and yours.

• Follow local laws for firework use
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions
• Talk to your children about the dangers and how to avoid them
• Heed age limits and never allow children to ignite fireworks
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned
• Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire

Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Georgia Fireworks Laws
Permitted
Sparklers--up to 100 grams each
Fountains-- items that say “Emits Showers of Sparks”--up to 200 grams total for multiple
tube items, up to 75 grams for each individual tube item
Snakes
Glow worms
Snappers
Party poppers

Prohibited
Firecrackers
Torpedoes
Sky rockets
Roman candles
Bombs
Sparklers--over 100 grams each

Alabama Fireworks Laws
Fireworks are generally permitted in Alabama, aside from the items listed below. Children must be at least 16 years old, unless accompanied by adult to purchase fireworks.

Prohibited
Any mail-order fireworks
Ground salutes containing more than 2 grains of explosive composition