The Tift County Sheriff's Office wishes you and your family a safe and exciting 4th of July holiday! The 4th of July, known as Independence Day, celebrates our independence as a nation on July 4, 1776.

As you celebrate with friends and family, we would like to remind you to be safe and take precautions to ensure the safety of our community. It is important to remember that fireworks can pose a fire and safety hazard to those who use them.

For most Georgians, shooting off fireworks from home isn't going to result in a visit from the Sheriff.  However, there are some locations you definitely can't shoot fireworks at and if your home happens to be too close to one of these locations, you'll need to go elsewhere to set off your fireworks.

It's illegal to use fireworks within 100 yards of an electric plant, water treatment plant, waste-water treatment plant, gas station, electric substation, jail or prison, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.  It's also illegal to set off fireworks within a state park, historic site, recreational area close to the roadway, in the roadway or on other state property without authorization.

Georgia law specifically states that fireworks cannot be sparked near a public roadway or railroad, cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18 and cannot be sold from a car or a tent.

You can set off fireworks on Independence Day, July 4th  between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. and on New Year's Eve, you can shoot off fireworks until 1 a.m.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the following safety tips for fireworks:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always read warning labels and performance descriptions before lighting a firework.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Only light fireworks one at a time.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse, and move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles, and never point/throw fireworks at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

For more information on firework safety, please visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

We caution anyone traveling during the holiday to always wear your seat belt and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Instead, plan for a designated driver to get you home safely. Not only do you risk your life when you drive impaired, but you also put the other drivers and passengers you share the roadway with at risk.

The Tift County Sheriff's Office hopes you and your family have a great 4th of July holiday!

Sheriff Gene Scarbrough