Police issue public safety alert about New Year's Eve fireworks

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LAGRANGE, Ga. - LaGrange police are warning residents to be extra careful when ringing in the new year next week.

Officials say fireworks are allowed on New Year's Eve from 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. After that, no more fireworks are allowed.

Authorities say they plan to strictly enforce the ordinance this year.

Anyone who violates it could be fined or arrested as a result.

Fireworks safety tips

Here are some safety tips provided by the LaGrange Police Department.

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

Police also warned residents to be careful with sparklers, saying they can easily ignite clothing and cause severe burns.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association showed that sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.