4th of July fireworks in Atlanta, plus precautions for parents

Sparklers can reach a temperature of 2,000 degrees

There are literally dozens of locations in and around Atlanta where you and your family can view Fourth of July fireworks. So grab the blankets, the picnic basket and the kids and head out to a great display.

In the northern suburbs of Atlanta, the following locations will have fireworks displays:

• Mall of Georgia
• Wills Park in Alpharetta
• Lawrenceville (July 3rd)
• Norcross (July 3rd)
• Sugar Hill Sparks in the Park (July 3rd)

Of course, the city’s largest displays are at:

• Lenox Square Mall
• Stone Mountain Park
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Six Flags Over Georgia

Hospitals around the country are reminding parents that fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. About 15,000 Americans are injured each year from fireworks, and the injuries range from mild burns to fatal accidents. According to Barbara Gaines, MD, director of the Benedum Trauma Program, “We see a lot of tragic accidents in which kids have gotten severely burned, lost fingers and even eyesight from fireworks exploding unexpectedly. The sad fact is these injuries were permanent.”

Most of the injuries occur during the weeks of the Fourth of July holiday. Though fireworks are illegal in the state of Georgia, it’s not uncommon to find “legal” fireworks being sold on the roadside under tents. According to a state law passed in 2007, sparklers and fountains that “emit showers of sparks” are legal. Any firework that explodes or can be launched like a rocket is not legal. However, professionals warn that even the legal fireworks can pose serious threats. Most people consider sparklers safe, and they are legal in Georgia, yet they burn fast and can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold. They are one of the leading causes of fireworks related injuries.

The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public events where professionals control them, and to stay within established safety barriers.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh offers these safety tips for setting off “legal” fireworks:

• Children should never light fireworks.
• Allow no horseplay and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
• Carefully read all instructions before lighting fireworks.
• Fireworks should never be lit in a container.
• Do not relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Flammable liquids must be kept away from fireworks.
• Fireworks must be lit outdoors by trained professionals.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergency.

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