Earlier this week a Cobb Fire Department fireworks safety reminder was issued in anticipation of the July 4 holiday, and it includes information on how to take care of pets as well:
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services recommends that you attend one of the many professional public firework displays put on at various locations around the county each 4th of July.
If you choose to use fireworks, be sure to follow the recommendations below by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Only those 18 and older can legally 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 that they could pose a danger to consumers;
- 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;
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers;
- 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.
Fireworks can mean misery for pets. Thousands are sedated every year after being frightened by fireworks. Others are so distraught they bolt and get lost or injured.
Keep pets indoors, close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
Fireworks can still be enjoyed if at the same time care and consideration are given to pets, livestock and animals living in the surrounding area.
WARNING: Persons choosing to use fireworks should be cognizant of their responsibility to discharge them safely without endangering other persons or property. Please be advised that you have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in using fireworks and are presumed to intend the natural and probable consequences of your acts. As a result, you may be subject to potential criminal and/or civil liability for any damage to persons or property resulting from your use of fireworks.
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