As Fourth of July weekend steadily approaches, a familiar sound is sure to echo through neighborhoods across the country: the pop and crackle of backyard fireworks.
Because the number of festivities put on by cities and towns has gone down significantly, individual celebrations may rise in popularity. Joe Rozzi, vice president of sales and pyro designer at Rozzi's Famous Fireworks, said he's seen the number of fireworks purchased by individuals skyrocket.
With that in mind, here's what you need to know in terms of what's legal and safe for any potential backyard bash.
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Ohio
Ohio fireworks law states that of the many types of fireworks, only a small percentage may be legally used in Ohio. These types are known as "novelty" fireworks and include things like sparklers, snaps, glow snakes and smoke bombs. These items are sold across the state and may be used by anyone for their festivities.
Excluding those few items, all other fireworks and pyrotechnics cannot be fired legally in the state of Ohio without a license. While some fireworks, known as "consumer" fireworks, including items such as firecrackers and bottle rockets, can be legally purchased by anyone over the age of 18, the purchaser must sign a form stating that they will transport the fireworks outside of the state within 48 hours.
A further restricted category of fireworks, known as "exhibitor" fireworks, are limited to discharge by licensed exhibitors. These are the large, colorful types of fireworks typically seen at city celebrations and festivals.
For those Ohioans planning to throw a celebration of their own this Fourth of July, the State Fire Marshal urges caution even when using legal items like sparklers.
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce website, "while legal, [novelty items] can still pose serious health problems, including severe burns, injuries to the hands, eyes and face, and even blindness or hearing loss."
The site goes on to state that even sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.
"The risk of severe burns is real," the site states.
Kentucky
Unlike Ohio, the state of Kentucky allows for a wider variety of fireworks to be purchased and used by individuals. Alongside the novelty items also legal in Ohio, Kentuckians may discharge fountains, crack and strobe fireworks, wheels and spinners, and "punk and smoke" fireworks.
The state still prohibits larger-scale pyrotechnics like aerial shells and bottle rockets, however.
With that wider variety of legal fireworks comes an even greater necessity for safety. The state advises consumers to keep fireworks outdoors and away from buildings, not to carry fireworks in pockets, to keep a safe distance from any active pyrotechnics and to never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Indiana
Indiana's fireworks laws are in some ways the loosest and in some ways the most restrictive.
In terms of the types of fireworks that Indiana residents are allowed to set off, the state allows for more variety than either Ohio or Kentucky. According to state law, consumer fireworks include aerial devices like roman candles and missile-type rockets, ground devices like firecrackers and chasers, and smaller novelty items like those legal in Ohio and Kentucky.
Like all states, Indiana requires that individuals be 18 years or older to purchase fireworks.
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The restrictions come in when looking at when and where fireworks are legal. While residents can set off a wider variety of pyrotechnics than Ohioans or Kentuckians, they're limited to specific windows of time.
Fireworks are allowed year-round from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on non-holidays. On days like Memorial Day, New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July, however, that window is extended until midnight.
Fireworks are also restricted to use on the property of the one who bought them, the property of someone who has approved their use or a location designated specifically for the use of fireworks.
Safe celebration
With the recent quarantine and the nationwide need for a morale booster, setting off large-scale fireworks on an individual basis may be tempting. But safety and certainty have to come first when dealing with these dangerous items.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission offers a handful of tips for smart use of fireworks. According to their website, anyone setting off fireworks should always:
- Keep a hose or bucket nearby to douse any potential hazards.
- Light fireworks one at a time and step back once lit.
- Douse any fireworks with water after use to prevent fires in trashcans.
- Avoid placing any part of their body over the firework when lighting the fuse.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper, as that often indicates that they have been made for professional displays, not individual consumers.
In addition to these considerations, Tiphanie Howard, parks and recreation directors for the city of Fairfield, said it's also a good idea to be courteous to your neighbors.
“For our residents who are veterans who might be suffering from PTSD, please try to be considerate of their needs during this time,” Howard said. "And always take into consideration those around you before setting off fireworks in your neighborhood."
While Rozzi said he's happy to hear the pops and cracks that denote individual celebrations, it's important that everyone stays safe.
“Read the labels, make sure that only adults are handling these, be safe with these; they’re dangerous products,” Rozzi said. “And absolutely leave the alcohol alone."
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