Breaking Fireworks Rules Can Cost More Than You Think Before You Light the Fuse Nothing is quite like the Fourth of July in Georgia and the dazzling boom of fireworks lighting up the Southern sky. But behind the sparkle and celebration is a serious truth: Fireworks, while festive, can be dangerous when handled carelessly or illegally. So, before you strike a match, here is what you need to know to keep your celebration safe, legal, and injury-free. KNOW THE LAW BEFORE YOU LIGHT IT UP. Georgia loves fireworks, but the state has rules. You must be at least 18 to purchase them, and there are strict guidelines on when and where they can be used. Most days, fireworks are allowed between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with extended hours on July 3 and 4. But think twice before lighting up just anywhere. Fireworks are not allowed on public roads, in parks, or near hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, gas stations, or power stations. And launching them under the influence? Not only illegal, but incredibly reckless. Also, ditch the dangerous idea of celebratory gunfire. What may seem like tradition is a life-threatening act that can (and does) cause permanent harm or death. A bullet fired into the sky does not disappear. It comes down, and it comes down hard. SPARK JOY, NOT EMERGENCIES. Fireworks send thousands to the ER annually, and most injuries happen around Independence Day. The good news? A few smart precautions go a long way.
Create Meaningful Holiday Memories With Your Kids Traditions Start Here Festive national holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen family ties and traditions. While most people regard the end-of-year holidays as prime time for family get-togethers, you can make great memories in any season — including the Fourth of July! To foster traditions your loved ones will enjoy, start when your children are young. Repeat your chosen rituals year after year, but stay flexible enough to update them to suit your kids’ developmental stages. EMPHASIZE LIVE ACTION Activities that immerse your children in sights, sounds, smells, and live action can be the most memorable. Community Fourth of July parades offer a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and friends of all ages. To make memories, don’t just watch the parade — encourage your kids to join it! Midsummer is a great time to participate in light-hearted three-legged races, an egg toss, and sack races. As kids age, consider holding a Fourth of July Family Bowl for an annual game of soccer, softball, or touch football. At day’s end, fireworks offer a chance to gather in a lawn chair or on a blanket in the grass and enjoy some favorite snacks. CAPITALIZE ON FAMILY FOIBLES Think about traditions that evoke some quirk or twist unique to your family. If your kids love water balloons, a red, white, and blue water balloon fight can leave them laughing. Your family’s favorite films about patriotism or national identity may include fantasy tales, such as the animated 1986 immigrants’ story “An American Tail,” or darker stories, such as “Born on the Fourth of July,” the 1989 film on a Vietnam vet’s struggles after the war. Whatever your preference, watching a beloved movie together as a family can reinforce shared values. For maximum fun, ban cellphones and make lots of popcorn. MAKE IT MATTER Decorating your house and yard with flags, red-white-and-blue bunting, and patriotic pinwheels can help children get into the spirit. To create a tangible memoir, take photos of the fun and print them for an album or deposit them in a “Fourth of July Memory Jar.” When you pull them out next year, those images will spark plenty of laughs!
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Read every label before lighting
• Light fireworks outdoors, away from people and structures • Keep water nearby in case things go sideways • Never give fireworks to young children • Only light one at a time and never relight a dud
CELEBRATE THE RIGHT WAY. The Fourth is about freedom, family, and a little flash in the sky, not injury reports and 911 calls. Keep your celebration joyful by knowing the rules and respecting the risks. And if someone else’s negligence takes the spark out of your holiday, our firm is here to stand by your side.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
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