Hudgens urges caution with fireworks
Atlanta – As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging residents to use extreme caution to avoid fires and severe injuries when using fireworks this Independence Day.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display,” Commissioner Hudgens said. “Each year in the U. S., around 8,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks- related injuries.”
In 2015, the sale and use of most consumer types of fireworks, which include firecrackers, skyrockets, and Roman candles, became legal to use in Georgia. Last year 158 fireworks related incidents were reported across the state. Those incidents include grass, brush, woodland, vehicle, and mobile home fires.
Commissioner Hudgens offers the following fireworks safety suggestions:
- Purchase fireworks from licensed fireworks dealer.
- Observe all state laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Read the labels carefully before igniting any fireworks.
- Ensure that an adult supervises all firework activities.
- Never allow children to ignite fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles. - Never try to relight a firework. -Have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
- Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise, and lights can cause fear and stress.
For more on laws governing the use of fireworks in Georgia, please contact your local police or fire department. To find a licensed fireworks dealer in your area, please visit our Fireworks Page. a
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The Military Order of the Purple Heart Rome Chapter 525, meets the first Monday of the month except holidays at the Rome Nation Guard Armory located at 340 Wilshire Road at 6: 00 P M. All veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart are eligible for membership and are invited to join. For more information: Contact Howard Cothran at 706- 676- 44692 or Alfred Carnes at 706- 802- 8262.
The Calhoun Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month for the regular called Board Meetings at 12: 00 p. m. Special Board meetings will be advertised in advance. All meetings are held at 607 Oothcalooga St. Calhoun, Georgia. The public is invited to attend. Call to verify a meeting is schedule prior to attending.
The Calhoun Area Writers meet every third Friday of the month at The Harris Arts Center from 6- 7: 30 p. m. The club exists to support writers, from published authors to those who simply enjoy writing down their thoughts.
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Sugar Valley Community Club in Sugar Valley, GA is available for use for benefits and/ or other functions. Please contact Bobby Dobson: 706- 602- 2989.
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Week of June 25
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