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Fireworks soaring through the sky each Fourth of July mark the country’s celebration of America. But with the fun and bright colors also comes some danger while around explosives. Michigan State Police say that every year more than 5,000 people are injured by fireworks-related incidents around the Fourth of July. This year the Calumet Post shares important information with residents to make sure everyone has a fun and safe holiday on Thursday.
Always light fireworks one at a time, and back away to a safe distance. Never put yourself over a firework when you’re lighting it, when you’re trying to light the fuse. Always light a firework on a smooth flat surface at least 25 feet away from houses or any flammable material such as dry grass, if a firework doesn’t fully ignite or is a dud. Don’t try to pick it up and relight it. Let it be for about 15 minutes and then douse it in a bucket of water. Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of a firework or mishap. And then also always have adult supervision around it, even with sparklers, because sparklers burn hot and sometimes they’re either made with wires or sticks. – Trooper Alan Narhi, Michigan State Police, Calumet Post
MSP Calumet Post Trooper Alan Narhi adds to make sure that anyone not in charge of lighting the fuse stays a safe distance away. Especially children and animals. Adults should always supervise fireworks activities including sparklers. Michigan State Police also advise residents to not use alcohol while using fireworks because it often leads to accidents.
Yeah, if there happens to be an accident or an injury related to fireworks, the best thing to do is to contact 911 and they’ll be able to get emergency services to you right away, whether that’s law enforcement, first responders, or an ambulance. The other thing is if you’re able to, safely have somebody bring you to the hospital or get yourself to the hospital as soon as you can. – Trooper Alan Narhi, Michigan State Police, Calumet Post
Michigan state law allows fireworks display the day before, the day of, and the day following a national holiday. Please check with your local community for more specific ordinances. Those interested in learning more fireworks information for the Fourth of July in 2024 can find more resources and information below.
LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Safety Tips for Personal Firework Use
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 06/28/2024
Calumet, MICH. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 5,000 people nationwide go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. Due to these injuries, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding citizens to take extra safety precautions if your July Fourth celebration includes fireworks.
If you choose to use fireworks at home, follow these safety precautions:
ALWAYS:
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.
- Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.
NEVER:
- Experiment with or make your own fireworks.
- Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Try to re-light “duds” or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. (Rather, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.)
- Point or throw fireworks at other people.
- Carry fireworks in a pocket or
- Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
In Michigan, consumer fireworks must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Licensed facilities will only sell fireworks to people 18 years of age or older. Low impact fireworks (ground-based items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers) are also legal for sale and use.
State law requires that consumer-grade fireworks only be ignited from personal property. It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person’s property without their express permission. State law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, individuals are subject to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years and fines of up to $10,000 or both.
Fireworks Safety
A list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks and novelties is outlined at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_42271_59975—,00.html
A list of dates and hours in which fireworks are legal to use are outlined at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_42271-500873–,00.html
To learn more about fireworks safety, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act or state-certified fireworks retailers, go to the Bureau of Fire Services website at www.michigan.gov/bfs.
