The death of a Lyons man Thursday night has prompted Lyons Chief of Police Wesley Walker to issue safety warnings about the danger of injuries and potential life of loss as this weekend's Independence Day approaches.

Chief Walker said in 2016 the State of Georgia legalized the sale and display of fireworks for home use. "People should be aware that fireworks now sold are more explosive and volatile than they used to be," Walker said. "They are extremely dangerous and must be displaying with caution."

With many venues who would normally offer public displays of fireworks cancelling those events because of the Coronavirus, many families will incorporate the festivities into their own celebration, and Chief Walker adds, "If you're going to do fireworks, please do it safely and under adult supervision. No children should be allowed to handle the explosives and should stay a safe distance away from any adult who is igniting the fireworks."

It is best to check Georgia law and local ordinances as to the times in which fireworks can be used and in Lyons, it is illegal to shoot off any fireworks after 11:00 p.m. at night.