July 3, 2009

GEORGIA/SOUTH CAROLINA-- With the fourth of July comes fireworks and with the show, comes an increased risk of injury and even possible trouble with the law depending on which side of the river you live on.

12 is On Your Side with what you need to know.

In South Carolina, according to the National Council on Firework Safety, essentially all consumer fireworks are allowed. That includes cone fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, mines and shells, helicopter-type rockets and revolving wheels.

However, it's a different story in Georgia, there, it's illegal to use firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, roman candles, bombs, and sparklers over 100 grams each. Speaking of sparklers, you can use them in the peach state if they're under 100 grams each.
It's also legal to use snappers, party poppers, snakes and glow worms.

As a rule of thumb, anything that shoots into the air and explodes is illegal in Georgia. If you're caught, it's a misdemeanor punishable up to 1,000 dollar fine and a year in jail.

Fireworks are also dangerous. In 2007, 9,800 people went to the ER
with firework related injuries in the US according to the National Fire Protection Agency.

Closer to home, the Joseph M. Still burn center, says they treated 15 patients for firework related injuries last year alone. The burn center says they have seen a spike in injuries since the peach state legalized some fireworks.

So remember, don't light fireworks near dry grass or indoors. Also, always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby and don't wear loose clothing while using fireworks and make sure to keep a safe distance from lit fireworks. And keep an extra eye on children