To many people, this probably feels like one of the longer weeks of the entire summer, just because of what’s ahead next week. The holiday weekend is only two work days away, and many will get a four day weekend since the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday.

This week is all about patriotism and celebrating another year of this great country. Most of us celebrate the holiday in the most American way possible — eating a lot of grilled food and by watching or shooting off fireworks. There will be firework shows at Callaway Gardens and at Pyne Road Park on Tuesday night, and we’re sure those displays will be incredible. However, we also know many would rather buy their own fireworks. To those who wish to buy and light their own fireworks, we recommend an abundance of safety.

Fireworks are legal in Georgia, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. On its website, the National Safety Council recommends these tips to stay safe while using fireworks:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks

• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

• Never light them indoors

• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

• Never ignite devices in a container

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

• Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

Fireworks can be a lot of fun, if they are used correctly.  We also ask that you keep in mind the time of when you shoot off fireworks.

Fireworks can only be shot off until 9 p.m. most nights, although on the Fourth of July state law backs that time to midnight. Of course, the easiest and safest thing to do is to let the experts handle the fireworks show.