Independence Day weekend ushers in several fireworks displays, both professional and amateur. Wyandot County Public Health encourages those creating their own patriotic displays to make safety a priority.
While professional fireworks shows will always be the safest option, unless banned by a local government, Ohioans are allowed to discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on July 3-5 and the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately before and after July 4 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. Fireworks may be discharged on a person’s private property or another’s private property with permission from the owner.
The law also indicates the following:
- Ariel fireworks should be set off at least 150 feet from spectators and any structures.
- Non-ariel fireworks should be set up at least 50 feet from spectators and structures.
- Separation distances increase for certain locations such as apartment and multi-tenant buildings.
- No one under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or other weather hazard exists.
- Fireworks cannot be used while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, thousands of people are injured, sometimes fatally, in fireworks-related incidents each year. Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year damaging structures, vehicles and property. The following safety tips from the National Safety Council will help create an exciting but safe firework display:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Safe Kids Worldwide indicates that sparklers should also be avoided. Sparklers heat up to 1,200 degrees and account for one-third of the injuries to children under five. Replace sparklers with glow sticks for young children.
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks. Fireworks to be used in Ohio must be purchased in Ohio.
Wyandot County Public Health wishes you a safe and fun Independence Day and weekend. In addition to firework safety, please remember to drive sober and buckle up.
