Fireworks safety is crucial during the holiday weekend, reminds the
Division of State Fire Marshal for the state of Ohio.
Ohioans are encouraged to attend public fireworks displays hosted by local cities with trained fireworks professionals instead of purchasing their own fireworks, said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper. Attending local fireworks displays can reduce the risk of fire and injury.
For those who choose to purchase their own legal fireworks, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Handle and discharge trick and novelty devices only under adult supervision.
- Appoint one adult to be in charge. This person should know then hazards of each type of firework being used.
- Carefully read and follow firework instructions.
- Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from your body and others.
- Sparkler wires should immediately be placed in a bucket of water to avoid injury.
If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for two or three minutes and seek medical attention when necessary.
The only types of fireworks that can be legally purchased in Ohio are trick and novelty devices such as items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake. Fireworks that do not fit these categories and are bought in Ohio must be discharged outside of the state.
Not following the law can cost you: it is a first-degree misdemeanor for non-licensed individuals to discharge fireworks in Ohio , to falsify an application when purchasing fireworks, or to possess them for more than 48 hours without taking them out-of-state.
