Fireworks safety |
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Be Careful Out There Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
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Fireworks Law Now In EffectThe Indiana General Assembly, during the 2007 session, passed a new fireworks law. On the Fourth of July, Labor Day, New Year's Eve and Memorial Day fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight. Any other day of the year, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Violating the law can result in a fine of up to $500. A second violation, within five years, could result in jail time of up to 60 days and a $500 fine. Be sure you check with your local government to see if they have adopted a local ordinance before discharging fireworks. The new law gives local governments the authority to adopt ordinances that may limit when fireworks may be discharged.
Buying and Using Fireworks Fireworks may be discharged only on your property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to discharge fireworks or at special discharge locations. Persons who violate this law could be fined up to $500 per infraction. A second violation within five years, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500. Those under the age of 18 may possess or use fireworks only in the presence of an adult. Violations can result in a fine of up to $500 per infraction. A second violation, within five years, can result in delinquency charges. Use
Common Sense A person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation causes harm to the property of a person commits a Class A misdemeanor, an offense punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000. A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation results in the death of a person commits a Class C felony, an offense punishable by imprisonment from two to eight years and a fine of up to $10,000. |
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Contact us |
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STAFF |
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David Cherrone Fire Marshal Email Ron Melser Jr. Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Specialist Email | ||||||
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Staying safe on the
4th of July Posted: June 21, 2008 07:00 PM
It's a familiar sound and sight especially when the Fourth of July rolls around. Patrick Sheck buys fireworks every year. He says to keep the holiday fun, you want to make sure it's safe. Patrick Sheck says, "They have these shell launches and I guess it didn't go off and a guy stuck his head in to look. I don't think I would do that." David Cherrone is the Clay Fire Marshal and he says, "People who wouldn't dare think of handing their child a lighter will hand them a sparkler and it's even more dangerous because it's already lit." So it's not just the large fireworks but the seemingly harmless ones, too. Fireworks Shop Owner George Graves says he preaches safety to his customers...no matter the size of their purchase. Graves says, "The same rules apply. You have to have solid flat object to set it on. I suggest to a lot of people they put it in a five gallon bucket." Cherrone says, "Everyone of these has directions, but sometimes people think they're smarter than the people who make these and that's when we have more injuries." Use the directions or just plain old common sense. Firework buyer Patrick Sheck says, "We don't throw them at each other. We don't hold on to them and let them go up on our fingers and stuff." Graves says, "Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. That's a poor choice." Maybe a professional public fireworks show is a cheaper and safer route to take. Each city has its own fireworks ordinances so you should check with your local police department to find out the laws for your area. Be sure to find out how long you can use your fireworks, where you can use them and regulations on cleaning-up the debris they leave behind.
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Date Last Modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Mailing Address: 18355 Auten Road, South Bend, IN 46637 Any problems please email: Webmaster |