Those celebrating July 4th with displays of fireworks should be safety conscious and aware of Athens-Clarke County Consumer Fireworks Regulations and applicable state laws. Here are several firework safety tips:

1) Children should not be allowed to handle fireworks.

2) Don’t handle fireworks when consuming alcohol or drugs.

3) Only light one firework at a time.

4) Maintain a safe distance from active fireworks.

5) Use fireworks as originally intended by the manufacturer.

In Athens-Clarke County, state regulations and local ordinances outline the lawful use of consumer fireworks.

• Consumer fireworks can be used on July 3 & 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. – State law - O.C.G.A. 25-10-2

• Consumer fireworks can be used on any other day of the year between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. only if they are not plainly audible 100’ from the place or beyond the property line. - Local ordinance – Section 3-5-24 (c) (3) approved 4/1/19.

• Consumer fireworks that are plainly audible 100’ from the place or beyond the property except for the days listed above are in violation of the noise ordinance. - Local ordinance - Section 3-5-24 (c) (3) approved 4/1/19.

• Consumer fireworks cannot be used while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. State law – O.C.G.A. 25-10-2  Consumer fireworks cannot be used within 100 yards of certain locations such as health care facilities, gas stations, or hospitals. State law – O.C.G.A. 25-10-2

• Consumer fireworks cannot be used in parks, recreational facilities, or other property operated by Athens-Clarke County or the State of Georgia without a special permit or unless regulations specifically permit such use. State law – O.C.G.A. 25-10-2

• Fireworks cannot be used in such a manner as to endanger the safety of life, limb, health, or property of any person within Athens-Clarke County. Local ordinance – Sec. 3-5-31.

Violations of these state laws and local ordinances can be reported to the Police Department at 706-613-3345 or 9-1-1.