Summer has arrived, which means warm weather, grilling out and a chorus of fireworks crackling in your neighborhood.
Legislation signed by Gov. Mike DeWine last year revamped the state's fireworks law after a years-long push by the industry to legalize them. Ohio previously allowed consumers to use only sparklers and a handful of other pyrotechnics, and anything else had to be taken out of state within 48 hours of purchase.
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The new rules go into effect July 1, just in time for Ohioans to start celebrating the Fourth of July.
Here's what you need to know.
When and where can I light off fireworks in Ohio?
Legal firework use in Ohio is cleared for the following days:
- New Year's Day
- Chinese New Year
- Cinco de Mayo
- Memorial Day weekend
- Juneteenth
- July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays before and after
- Labor Day weekend
- Diwali, a religious festival of lights observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs
- New Year's Eve
You can only set off fireworks on your own property or another private property with the owner's permission.
Can Ohio cities make their own rules?
Yes, within certain parameters.
The law allows municipalities and townships to opt out or restrict dates and times, so be sure to double-check the policies in your community. Columbus, Worthington and Dayton are among the cities that have enacted their own ordinances.
What kind of fireworks are allowed in Ohio?
The rules apply to 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks – think Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers. It's still illegal for people to purchase display-grade fireworks unless they have the proper license.
What can't I do with fireworks in Ohio?
You can't light up your yard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and anyone found guilty will be convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor. You could face a disorderly conduct violation, as well.
It's also illegal to ignite fireworks on another person's property without their permission.
How do I use fireworks safely?
Safety advocates emphasize that there's no risk-free way to use fireworks. Case in point: Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died last year after being struck in the chest by a fireworks mortar shell while attending a wedding.
Under Ohio's new law, licensed retailers and wholesalers must offer safety glasses to customers for free or at a nominal charge. They're also required to provide a pamphlet outlining these safety recommendations:
- Don't allow children to play with fireworks.
- Set them off outside in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
- Don't try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Make sure other people are out of range before lighting them.
- Don't have any part of your body over the firework while lighting it.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep unused products away from where you're igniting them.
- Don't light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
- Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission further instructs people to light one firework at a time, never throw them at anyone and never carry them in pockets. Consumers should also avoid buying products in a brown paper bag, as they are likely for professional displays and not personal use.
Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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