Around several holidays we receive many calls about the use of fireworks in Cobb County.   Here is our guide:

Cobb County ordinances on the use of fireworks
Cobb County Code bans fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m.
This is spelled out in the county’s code under the noise ordinances. Violations are a misdemeanor offense, and you can view the noise ordinances by going here:  Cobb County Noise Ordinance

Fireworks in Cobb County parks
Pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks per County Ordinance § 90-63. 
Sec. 90-63. – Restricted or Prohibited Uses of Park Facilities
   1. Pyrotechnics prohibited - It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, display, use, set off, or ignite any firecracker,   fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, or other pyrotechnics.

EXEMPTIONS MANDATED BY STATE LAW
The state legislature has spelled several exemptions to county code in O.C.G.A. § 25-10-1 et seq. These allow exemptions to county ordinances for the use of fireworks on specific dates and times.

• December 31 (New Year’s Eve) - Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
• January 1 (New Year’s Day) - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• On the last Saturday and Sunday in May - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• July 3 - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• July 4 - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• On the first Monday in September - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.

To view the Georgia code section regarding fireworks, visit O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2

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Fireworks tips from the Cobb County Fire Department:

If you choose to use fireworks, be sure to follow the recommendations below by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Only those 18 and older can legally use fireworks in Georgia.

Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Fireworks can mean misery for pets. Thousands are sedated every year after being frightened by fireworks. Others are so distraught they bolt and get lost or injured.

Keep pets indoors, close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

Fireworks can still be enjoyed if at the same time care and consideration are given to pets, livestock and animals living in the surrounding area.

WARNING: Persons choosing to use fireworks should be cognizant of their responsibility to discharge them safely without endangering other persons or property.  Please be advised that you have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in using fireworks and are presumed to intend the natural and probable consequences of your acts. As a result, you may be subject to potential criminal and/or civil liability for any damage to persons or property resulting from your use of fireworks.