COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County Fire Services wants you to have a safe and Happy Fourth of July holiday and offered additional tips and reminders for how to use fireworks properly and safely.

Lt. Cyndie Taylor-Ridling of the Newton County Fire & Life Safety Bureau said there are many rules associated with the purchase and use of fireworks in Georgia, including a requirement to be at least 18 years of age to purchase them.

Taylor-Ridling said fireworks cannot be used after midnight on the Fourth of July. She also said just because fireworks are legal to use at your home, there may be other restrictions.

“While fireworks are legal to shoot at your residence, some private communities like HOAs, condos or apartment complexes may not allow fireworks at all or might have designated areas for you to use,” she said.

According to Taylor-Ridling, fireworks are banned from roads and highways. She also said it is illegal to light fireworks within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, prison, nuclear power plant, gas station or refinery.

As for safety, Taylor-Ridling said, “The younger you are, the more likely you will be injured by fireworks. The risk of injury from fireworks is the highest for the 0-4 age group, followed by children 10-14.”

She recommends following state law and manufacturer’s directions.

“Don’t use fireworks while inebriated and protect your pets, as most animals fear fireworks,” she said, “never shoot a firework from a body part, into a crowd or directly at someone.”

Taylor-Ridling said if an individual starts a fire, that person is responsible for the result of what that fire does.

She also said, “Newton County Fire stands with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) when it says ’Save your money and stay on the safe side by not using consumer fireworks and attending a public show put on by professionals.’ Keep a close eye on children where fireworks are being used. Visit www.nfpa.org/education. Have a safe holiday.”