Cheeseburgers? Check. Sparklers? Check. Red, white and blue banners? Check. Hit the bank? Not yet. Why? The answer to that last question is simple: Banks and post offices are closed all day on Thursday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

We suspect that if you didn’t know that, there are probably a few other things you might not be aware of. We’ve got you.

Here are five things you need to know going into the July Fourth holiday.

No. 1: Georgia’s state government offices will be closed, including the Georgia Department of Driver services, legislative offices at the State Capitol and state universities such as the University of Georgia.

No. 2: There are over 60 state parks and historic sites in the Peach State as well as 11 national parks. Many of them will be open for a limited time on the Fourth of July and through the weekend. Check here for details. Annual ParkPass discounts are available for seniors and veterans. 

No. 3: Pack your patience along with your sunscreen if you’re planning to travel by air or car this holiday week.  AAA projects travelers will set new records nationally and in Georgia, as nearly 71 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home; some 2.3 million of those are Georgians. Leave early. The Transportation Security Administration at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expects to screen over 32 million people between June 27 and next Monday.

To ease the travel stress, consider using the Georgia Department of Driver Services’ app DDS 2 GO, consider using services such as TSA Precheck or Clear, avoid checking bags and ensure your carry-on is free of all prohibited items before you go through security.

No. 4: Expect to pay more for gas. The average price for gas as of Tuesday was $3.31 a gallon, up a nickel from a week ago, but still lower than the national average of $3.50 a gallon. Jared Bernstein, chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, told State Affairs , that the Biden administration recently released a million barrels of gasoline from a northeastern reserve in anticipation of the Fourth of July travel. “He timed that specifically to help put some downward pressure on gas prices over this holiday, because he was well aware that a lot of people are going to be out there traveling,” Bernstein said.

No. 5: According to Georgia law, anyone 18 or older can use or ignite consumer fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 3 and 4. Fireworks must be sparked away from public roadways and railroads.

You can reach Nava Rawls at [email protected] or on X @navarawls.