COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year: July 4.
Crews are sounding the warning for families ahead of the holiday weekend. They want people to know about the dangers of fireworks.
Firefighters showed off a live demonstration on Tuesday of the common mistakes that can get you hurt or killed. They especially want to get the word out to kids.
“The most common injuries are hands and fingers. Legs. And eyes,” said Cobb County Fire Marshal Nick Dawe.
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Dawe said it’s all related to people holding fireworks and where they’re placed.
The emergency calls are already coming in.
“It did result in an explosion and that explosion did result in lower limb injuries,” said Nick Danz, of Cobb Fire and Emergency Services.
Insurance Commissioner John King said if you’re going to have your own display, buy it from an authorized dealer.
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“They’re just not safe. That’s the bottom line. If you’re going to use fireworks. Buy quality. You get what you pay for,” King said.
What about parents considering sparklers? Firefighters say you need to be cautious.
“The leading injury statistic is allowing our kids to use sparklers. Similar to a blow torch, sparklers can get up to 1200 degrees,” Dawe said.
King added that fireworks coming from out of state—or out of the country— can pose more dangers.
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