IDHS Urges Hoosiers To Take Proper Safety Precautions While Dealing With Fireworks

Be safe and have fun this 4th of July!

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is giving Hoosier some tips and tricks on how to safely celebrate this Independence Day season. 

In 2018, over 9,000 fireworks injuries were treated at hospital emergency departments nationwide between June 22 and July 22. Of those injuries, 64 percent were sustained by males. Half of the estimated emergency department-treated injuries happened to people younger than 20 years old, and 36 percent of fireworks injuries were to children younger than 15 years old.

When dealing with fireworks, it is important to take every safety precaution possible to ensure no injuries. 

• Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.
• Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
• Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
• Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
• Only light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a "dud" firework.
• Be considerate of individuals with PTSD and other types of medical conditions. The noise can cause severe stress and reaction in neighbors.
• Think about pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by fireworks sounds.

While safety is always the number one priority, it is also important to know the fireworks laws in Indiana. Local ordinances may also place limitations in certain areas. 

State laws are as follows:

• Throughout the year it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. Citizens should check with local officials.
• On state holidays it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight, but this may be limited further by local ordinances.
• The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:
  • June 29 to July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset;
  • July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight;
  • July 5 to July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; and
  • December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older.
• Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks or a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks.

Find the full U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission annual fireworks report and more information at www.in.gov/dhs/3375.htm.

Fireworks can brighten celebrations, and proper firework safety can help keep the festivities going longer and can protect spectators from injury.

Visit https://t.co/wRCN8xfZx9 for more #FireworkSafety tips! pic.twitter.com/49t91QxlSu

— Indiana Homeland Security (@IDHS) June 18, 2020