Although Fourth of July is a time for celebration, Indiana State Fire Marshal, Jim Greeson, wants citizens to know about firework safety. With the proper firework etiquette and knowledge, Indianapolis residents can enjoy themselves safely during this holiday. The Indianapolis Recorder got a chance to chat with Greeson about safety this holiday season.
Indianapolis Recorder: What is the proper way to set off a firework?
Greeson: If you do not have to hold it in your hand, do not hold it in your hand. That’s the number one thing because even though these have fuses on them, they can always go off at unexpected times. Always make sure you have the firework at a safe distance from any combustible materials (including) your house, vegetation area, family cars or vehicles.
Where is firework use allowed in the city?
Fireworks can be set off on your own property, where the person purchased their property; the property of someone who has allowed you and given you permission to set the fireworks off there; or an area designated by the local community or local jurisdiction for the public to set off the fireworks. Those are the three areas by law that you can discharge consumer fireworks.
What are the most dangerous types of fireworks?
When handled properly, fireworks are fairly safe but anything that leaves the ground has the potential of causing some damage or being of harm primarily because once it leaves the ground, it is controlled by the wind. What the public needs to understand is they are responsible for any damage that may be done or any damage incurred by a firework that they’ve set off. If it’s a windy night, it is probably not a good idea to be setting off bottle rockets and types of fireworks that leave the ground.
What advice do you have for parents who want to let their children use fireworks?
We all know sparklers are a big attraction for small children. They’re very enticing, they’re fun to watch, you (can) swing them around and you write your name with them. I would say when you start getting up in the 7, 8, 9-year-olds, that’s probably sparkler age. But if you have children that are 3, 4, or 5, I recommend a glow stick. Glow sticks are inexpensive, they last longer than sparklers and they’re very safe. They obviously won’t hurt you, they won’t burn you and they do provide light.
What are the fireworks that are best for all ages?
Display fireworks are the most entertaining. Honestly, you don’t want kids handling firecrackers. You have to be 18 to purchase fireworks, so you don’t want children trying to handle firecrackers or bottle rockets. Save those for the adults.
When is the appropriate time to set off fireworks?
Between June 29 and July 3, it’s legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. until two hours after sunset. On Fourth of July, it is 9 a.m. to midnight and on July 5 through July 9, it’s back to 9 a.m. to two hours after sunset. Primarily it has to do with respect for people’s privacy and giving people some quiet time. (The consequences) depend on the type of infraction or what damage may be done, but (can be) all the way from a Class C infraction to a felony which is anywhere from a $500 fine to $5,000 fine.
For more information on firework safety, visit Getprepared.in.gov.
