ATLANTA - Backyard cookouts and family reunions across the state signify that summer is well on its way. In Georgia, sparklers will again help brighten family traditions and fond memories – especially if Georgians remember to put safety first, according to leading experts.
While Americans' usage of fireworks increased more than 960 percent nationwide between 1976 and 2006 (1), fireworks-related injuries have decreased more than 91 percent(2), according to the most recent data available from the American Pyrotechnics Association.
TNT sparklers are currently available at select Georgia retail locations. Georgia state law defines legal sparkers as:
- Wire or wood sparklers of not more than 100 grams of mixture per item;
- Other sparkling items that are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes;
- Snakes and glow worms; and
-Trick noisemakers including: paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers and drop pops – each consisting of .25 grams or less of chemical composition.
"Celebrating with sparklers is an enduring tradition that perfectly complements American holidays," says Tommy Glasgow, president of TNT® Fireworks (TNT), the largest distributor of consumer fireworks in the United States. "By taking a few simple precautionary steps, Georgians can honor this tradition safely and create a summer's worth of special memories.
Sparklers are an excellent source of family entertainment for Georgians when used appropriately."
SPARKLER SAFETY 101
TNT Fireworks recommends consumers strictly follow all safety warnings and instructions that appear on sparkler packaging when using any sparkler product. Consumers should also remember a few key rules to help ensure their holidays "sparkle":
- You must be 18 years of age or older and show a valid picture I.D. to purchase sparklers.
-Children should not light or handle sparklers.
- Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
- Use sparklers outdoors, only in clear areas, away from houses, buildings and dry grass.
- Do not relight sparklers – if a sparkler fails to light, do not relight it. Douse it with water and do not put it inside a car, building or structure until the sparkler is soaked and time has passed to ensure it will not reignite.
- As with any purchase, check the credibility of the distributor to make sure their sparklers are reliable, legal and that they come from a licensed source.
- Animals are often frightened by the sounds of sparklers. To protect your "best friends," keep them indoors – away from the loud noise – and secure.
- Remember – not all sparklers are the same. Be sure to purchase products that are manufactured by a trusted, established company that puts consumer safety first.
Safety experts attribute the drop in fireworks-related injuries to intense product-safety testing and ongoing, aggressive consumer education that often follows sparkler legalization.
"To the delight of families across the United States, the increased availability of sparklers in states such as Georgia has led to a proliferation of available safety information on how to use the devices being used properly," says John Conkling, a nationally renowned fireworks expert and spokesperson for the American Pyrotechnics Association.
"By participating in federal safety regulations and consumer awareness programs, responsible fireworks manufacturers, such as TNT, help ensure sparklers are enjoyed properly and safely."
For information about where TNT Fireworks' sparklers are available for sale in Georgia, visit www.tntfireworks.com.
ABOUT TNT FIREWORKS
TNT® Fireworks (TNT) is the nation's largest distributor of consumer sparklers. For more than 50 years, TNT has set the benchmark for safety, customer satisfaction, innovation and quality in the fireworks industry. For more information about TNT Fireworks, visit www.tntfireworks.com.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN PYROTECHNICS ASSOCIATION
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and suppliers of fireworks
industry, facts & figures, and state laws, can be found at www.americanpyro.com.
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1. Consumption per million pounds
2. Injuries per 100,000 pounds
