It’s that time of year when we celebrate our Independence with friends and family. There will likely be several festivities this coming weekend and it’s good to keep some safety tips in mind. It is also important to understand your local laws regarding fireworks.
It is legal to set off fireworks from 9:00 A.M. through 11:00 P.M. in Indiana, however, you will want to become familiar with your local laws for the City, Town, and County you live in. Those laws regarding the use of fireworks may differ from State laws.
Indiana has special allowances for use of fireworks during the below times:
-
- 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.
Remember, you must be 18 years of age or older to purchase fireworks.
What is a Consumer Firework
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says many State and local laws prohibit or limit consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks are the common fireworks sold for use by the public at a local fireworks store.
Fireworks that are considered consumer fireworks by the CPSC are:
- shells and mortars
- multiple tube devices
- Roman candles
- rockets
- sparklers
- firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder
- novelty items, such as
- snakes
- airplanes
- ground spinners
- helicopters
- fountains
- party poppers
For specific information on what is allowed in your area, check out your local ordinances.
Firework Handling Safety Tips
According to the CPSC, firework injuries have increased significantly over the past fifteen (15) years. Surprisingly there has been a 25% increase in firework injuries. Just last year 11,500 people were treated in the emergency room for their injuries sustained by fireworks.
Below are some tips to safely handle fireworks from the CPSC:
- Make sure Fireworks are legal in your area before buying them and using them
- Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks
- Keep water nearby in case of fire
- Always light fireworks one at a time and move away quickly
- Do no hold any ignited fireworks in your hands or aim them at others
- Do not try to re-light any fireworks that have not ignited fully
- Do no use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices
- Always use fireworks outdoors
- Buy fireworks from a reputable store
Injuries from Faulty Fireworks
While watching fireworks can be fun and entertaining, it is a very dangerous activity. Roughly 32% of injuries sustained are burn injuries. Most injuries are severe that occur on the hands, fingers, and lower extremities. Although, you can take all precautions and still end up with a faulty firework that causes injury, or maybe a roman candle was aimed at you by accident and struck you. There are actions you can take against homeowners’ insurance or even other avenues of potential compensation for accidental injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fireworks accident, contact our experienced attorneys at Tabor Law Firm at (317) 236-9000. We understand the seriousness of these injuries and the need for zealous representation you can trust during this time.
