With less than two weeks before Independence Day, it’s already that time of year.

They have already started. In some cases, they started as early as Memorial Day weekend.

But in the coming days, get ready for things that go boom in the night.

Fireworks are legal, with certain restrictions, but are still dangerous.

As we approach the Independence Day holiday, residents are purchasing and preparing to light up the night sky with their firecrackers, sparklers, rockets and shells.

We join local leaders in urging caution and reminding residents of both state laws and local ordinances.

Officials have said since the legalization of rockets in Georgia, complaints regarding noise, property damage and lost pets have risen significantly.

We urge our readers to simply be courteous and good neighbors.

Pets, and even livestock, can be frightened by the loud explosives.

Even more concerning is the fact that combat veterans have reported being traumatized by loud firework blasts.

Anyone selling, purchasing and igniting fireworks has to be at least 18 years of age. Fireworks are prohibited on public roadways or parks. It is illegal to shoot fireworks under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

We want to share these guidelines from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

– Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.

– Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

– A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.

– Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.

– Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

– Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

– Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.

– Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

– Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

– Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.

– Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

– Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

There are great public firework displays planned for our region. They promise to be safer and more spectacular than what you can do at home.

But if you prefer to light up the sky from your back yard, please give a thought to your neighbors and to your own safety. A little consideration can go a long way.