Fireworks are a staple of many Independence Day celebrations, and you often hear the sound of Roman candles and bottle rockets weeks prior to the holiday.
Before you take to your backyard with festivities, it's important to note that many surrounding communities in the Chattanooga area have banned fireworks.
(Read more: 21 places in the Chattanooga region to see fireworks over the next two weekends)
Fireworks ordinances for the Chattanooga area include:
- Unincorporated areas of Hamilton County: Fireworks are fair game, provided you use them in a "safe and responsible manner," according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
- Chattanooga: Fireworks that do not require a pyrotechnic license are legal within city limits, except between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- East Ridge: Illegal within city limits
- Soddy-Daisy: Illegal within city limits
- Red Bank: Illegal within city limits
- Lakesite: Illegal within city limits
Fireworks ordinances in North Georgia communities largely follow state law, which allows fireworks to be shot until 11:59 p.m. any day as long as local authorities haven't issued a noise ordinance. Various municipalities have their own nuisance ordinances.
Restrictions include firing fireworks within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, health care facility, electric plant, water treatment plant, an electrical substation, or a facility that sells flammable liquids or gases. No fireworks may be used by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs or by anyone inside any park, historic site, or recreational area owned by a governing authority without a special permit.