Fireworks safety

Be Careful Out There

• Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
• Always purchase your fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers.
• Use in a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
• Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks or those in close proximity to the fireworks.
• Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework item at a time.
• Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any "dud" firework item.
• Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby.
• Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators.
• Never smoke when handling fireworks.
• Do not use alcohol with fireworks.
• Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.

Fireworks Law Now In Effect

The 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
In addition to sparklers (ground spinners, cone fountains, wheels, cylindrical fountains), bottle rockets, roman candles and fire crackers are legal to discharge. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase 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 results in serious bodily injury to a person commits a Class D felony, an offense punishable by imprisonment from six months to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.

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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Posted: June 21, 2008 07:00 PM

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