FIRE MARSHAL URGES OHIOANS TO ATTEND PUBLIC FIREWORKS EXHIBITIONS & ENCOURAGES SAFETY WHEN USING LEGAL FIREWORKS

COLUMBUS, OHIO – FIRE MARSHAL URGES OHIOANS TO ATTEND PUBLIC FIREWORKS EXHIBITIONS & ENCOURAGES SAFETY WHEN USING LEGAL FIREWORKS

COLUMBUS, OHIO – State Fire Marshal Stephen K. Woltz this year is encouraging Ohioans to attend public fireworks displays hosted by local municipalities and licensed exhibitors in order to reduce the risk of fire and injury this July 4th.

“The best way to prevent injury during the summer months is simply to avoid backyard fireworks,” said Marshal Woltz. “Even trick and novelty fireworks like sparklers are inherently dangerous and can cause serious injuries.”

The only type of fireworks that can be legally purchased and set off in Ohio are trick and novelty fireworks. These include items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake.  For those who choose to have a family fireworks display of these legal fireworks, Marshal Woltz encourages people to follow some important safety tips.

• Handle and discharge trick and novelty devices only under adult supervision.
• Appoint one adult to be in charge. This person should know the hazards of each type of firework being used.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on the trick and novelty device packaging.
• Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from your body.
• Sparkler wires should immediately be placed in a bucket of water to avoid injury as they remain hot for a few minutes after burnout.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for two or three minutes and seek medical attention when necessary.

Other fireworks, like those sold at fireworks stores around Ohio, can be legally purchased here, but you must agree to take them out of Ohio to set them off.  “You must be at least 18 years of age to buy things like firecrackers and bottle rockets at the stores you see along Ohio’s roadways,” said Woltz.  “But you are not allowed to fire them within the state.”

Under Ohio's fireworks law, stiff penalties can be applied for the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks.  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 or 72 hours without taking them to the designated out-of-state address.  First-time offenders are subject to up to a $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment.  Subsequent violations become felonies of the fifth degree.