Joe Hornaday
In just a few days, the United States of America will be celebrating her 233rd birthday. Following the tradition that has been an American custom for years, many Americans will be celebrating the occasion with fireworks.
To ensure the safety of both the audience and those igniting the fireworks, Greensburg Fire Chief Scott Chasteen recommends that everyone obeys fireworks safety measures during the displays.
The first rule is that children should never handle fireworks. Even the seemingly safe fireworks like sparklers can cause severe burns or eye injuries for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning the hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. Sparkler injuries generally account for about one-third of all fireworks injuries to children 5 years old and younger. Sparklers can burn at temperatures as hot as 1,200 degrees.
“The main thing is to have parental guidance,” Chasteen explained.
It is against the law, however, for an individual under the age of 18 to ignite fireworks. Chasteen suggested that those who purchase fireworks ask those in the store about the fireworks, and read the directions carefully.
Chasteen said that the Greensburg Fire Department essentially follows the state laws when it comes to fireworks. It is not illegal to enjoy and ignite fireworks in the city, but Chasteen explained that fireworks set off on one property are required to stay on that property.
“(Fireworks) can’t be used on public property, either” Chasteen said.
That includes areas like streets and other public places.
For those who will be igniting the fireworks this year, Chasteen suggested utilizing a hard, flat and level surface to secure the stability of the fireworks items. Grass is generally not suitable for any item intended to be used in an upright position, according to the National Council of Fireworks Safety. Always light fireworks in a clear open area away from buildings, vehicles, and shrubbery. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground-based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended. The National Council of Fireworks Safety says that people should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire or near any flammable items. The Council suggests never using fireworks indoors and never shooting fireworks in metal or glass containers as they could ignite or topple over, or explode and potentially turn into dangerous shrapnel.
The Council suggests that an easily accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water be nearby the ignition area during the fireworks shoot.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze, Indiana law dictates that a person 18 years of age or older has to be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing fireworks, and that fireworks can only be used on the user’s property, the property of someone who granted permission for fireworks to be discharged, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.
Fireworks can only be discharged between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve where the times are 9:00 a.m. to midnight, Chasteen noted.
Anyone who violates the above law can be charged with a Class C Infraction, Chasteen explained. Further, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks and the violation causes property damage they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If the misuse results in bodily injury the penalty enhanced to a Class D felony and if a death results the penalty is enhanced to a Class C felony.
Houze suggests that anyone who plans to use fireworks at anytime during the year should check local government entities for any local ordinances which may further restrict or have additional requirements for the use of fireworks.
