Walk-up sales of consumer fireworks are starting to pick up at pop-up sales locations during the countdown to Independence Day.
Police officers and firefighters are warning of the dangers, however, and offering suggestions to assure a safe July 4.
Tents around Columbus are selling items such as mortar display shell kits, ground bloom flowers and jumping jacks.
“We always do a big party at my sister’s house,” said Toni Lynch of North Vernon as she browsed with her two grandchildren what was on sale from one Columbus fireworks vendor.
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They usually purchase fireworks that are used on the ground, Lynch said, but also look for canisters that hold a large amount of shells for a sky display.
Among the most popular items this summer are firecrackers, mini-lanterns and other small fireworks products aimed at children, vendors said.
But even sparklers, a favorite of young children, pose a safety threat.
Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt glass, Columbus Fire Department fire inspector Scott Bonnell said. A safer alternative recommended for younger children are glow sticks.
Last year, 238 firework-related injuries were reported to the Indiana State Department of Health. Of those cases:
More than one-third of all reported firework-related injuries involved individuals 18 years of age and younger.
30 percent of firework-related burn injuries were to the hands or fingers.
Eye injuries accounted for 11.7 percent of the total number of injuries.
49 percent of the injuries were caused by firecrackers, rockets and sparklers.
Malfunctioning or mishandling of fireworks accounted for nearly 57 percent of reported cases.
“Fireworks can cause serious injuries if not properly handled,” State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson said. “If planning to use personal fireworks, always follow label instructions.”
Making sure that fireworks are used responsibly is the most important part of having a successful, accident-free holiday celebration, said Maj. Chris Lane, chief deputy for the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.
“The big thing — I can’t stress this obviously enough — is safety, safety, safety,” Lane said. “Some of these fireworks can be very dangerous. People can lose their hands.”
After lighting off a sparkler, Bonnell recommends that they be dropped into a nearby bucket of water. Having a water hose nearby is also a good idea, he said.
When shooting fireworks into the air, don’t walk directly over to it after it lands, as the firework may still explode or reignite.
“When I was a kid, I had a firework blow up in my hand,” Bonnell said. “It will happen. You just have to try to be safe and take precautions.”
Consumer fireworks can open be set off on private property — with the property owner’s permission. But public property — such as roads, sidewalks and parks — are off limits for fireworks.
There are consequences that come with breaking the laws regarding fireworks:
A person under the age of 18 possessing or using fireworks without an adult present could face a fine of $500 per infraction.
A person using fireworks in places that are not allowed could face a maximum fine of $500 per infraction.
Causing damage to someone else’s property with fireworks could result in a fine of $5,000, and one year imprisonment, in addition to being financially liable for any damage.
While adults are allowed to legally purchase and shoot off fireworks, they are also susceptible to mistakes in judgment, particularly while celebrating a holiday, officials said.
Alcohol and fireworks are not a good mix, for example, Lane said.
In an intoxicated state, residents are sometimes inspired to re-light duds or alter fireworks, which he warns against because of potential dangers.
“Somebody is trying to have a good time and now they’re paying for it for the rest of their life,” Lane said.
Less dramatic than burns or missing fingers, but far more common, are complaints.
Lane urged residents to “respect your neighbors” and said the majority of calls the department receive regarding fireworks, especially in the city, are due to lack of consideration with noise.
Beyond physical injuries, angry neighbors and property damage can be a swift and expensive way to ruin a holiday celebration.
“If I lit a firework off and it lands on your house, then I’m responsible for that,” Lane said. “And if you’ve got houses that are close together, and something goes sideways and catches something on fire, you can be held responsible for any damages.”
Although fireworks accidents are common on Independence Day, residents are urged to take the necessary steps to avoid damage to homes, property and especially other people.
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Never let children handle, play with, or light fireworks without adult supervision.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Use a clear, open area and keep spectators a safe distance from the shooting site.
Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks device.
Only purchase and light 1.4G consumer fireworks, such as bottle rockets, Roman candles or fire crackers.
Only light one firework item at a time and never try to re-light or fix a dud firework.
Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water on hand.
Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators or crowds where the wind is blowing away from them.
Never smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while handling fireworks.
Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person.
Sparklers burn at extremely hot temperatures, from 1200 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Glow sticks make an excellent, safer alternative to sparklers, especially for children.
Source: in.gov
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Fireworks can be purchased in Indiana by people who are 18 or older.
Fireworks may be lit or shot off on the user’s property, on the property of someone who has given permission for that, or at a special discharge location.
On Independence Day, consumer fireworks may be used between 9 a.m. and midnight. For five days leading up to July 4 and five days afterward, fireworks can be discharged from 5 p.m. until two hours past sunset, which means fireworks can be set off until about 11 p.m.
Source: in.gov
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For more information about fireworks safety and Indiana laws regarding fireworks usage, visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/3375.htm.
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