As Independence Day approaches, Gwinnett County residents are getting important guidance on when to call 911 for fireworks-related incidents versus using the non-emergency line.

🚨 Why It Matters: The 911 center experiences a major spike in calls during July 4th celebrations, and knowing when to use emergency services could save critical response time for life-threatening situations.

🎆 Know The Rules: Fireworks are permitted in Gwinnett County between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on specific holidays including July 3rd and 4th, but using them outside these times violates the County Noise Control Ordinance.

📱 When To Call 911: Only call the emergency line if someone is injured or something catches fire due to fireworks.

☎️ When To Use Non-Emergency: Call the non-emergency number when people are being unsafe with fireworks (without injuries or fires) or when fireworks are used outside approved hours.

🗓️ The Big Picture: Holiday celebrations often lead to preventable emergencies. By understanding proper emergency service usage, residents can help ensure resources remain available for life-threatening situations while still reporting legitimate concerns.

How to Read and Understand The News

When reading news, remember:

  • Truth doesn’t change because we dislike it
  • Facts remain facts even when they make us uncomfortable
  • Events happen whether we accept them or not
  • Good reporting often challenges us
  • The news isn’t choosing a position — it is relaying what official, verified sources have said.
  • Blaming the press for bad news is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.

Before dismissing news that bothers you, ask:

  1. What evidence supports this story?
  2. Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
  3. What would change my mind?
  4. Am I “shooting the messenger” because I don’t like what is happening?

Smart news consumers seek truth, not just comfort.

As Independence Day approaches, Gwinnett County residents are getting important guidance on when to call 911 for fireworks-related incidents versus using the non-emergency line.
B.T. Clark
Publisher at 

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.