With tomorrow being the Fourth of July/Independence Day, it seems fitting to talk a little about the dangers and realities of fireworks. I wrote a week or two about the safety concerns regarding kids, families, and fireworks, but this morning I thought I would talk a little about the law. Do you know the law in your state and town when it comes to what sort of fireworks are legal and where it is permissible to set them off?
In my own state, fireworks like bottle rockets, roman candles and real firecrackers are illegal. This certainly doesn’t stop people from finding them, bringing them into the state and setting them off. If you are attending a party or gathering where people are bringing fireworks, there is a good chance that some of them will be illegal. A call to your local law enforcement agency will help you to gather information about what sort of fireworks are legal and which aren’t. BUT, don’t wait until the Fourth of July to call as most police stations and law enforcement agencies get bogged down with fireworks-related calls around Independence Day.
While you may get off with a warning if you are caught with illegal fireworks, you may also get a citation (ticket) or have to pay a fine. In my area, it is considered a misdemeanor. In most areas, police are out in force on the Fourth of July—patrolling and responding to noise and fire complaints.
If you are going to participate in the Fourth of July with fireworks, make sure you purchase your fireworks from a licensed, inspected, in-state fireworks dealer or stand. Keep in mind that you still need to be a present parent and if there is drinking; the adults supervising the kids need to stay sober! Know the law and consider what sort of example you are setting for your children if you consider using illegal (and dangerous) fireworks, and make sure if you have older children, you know what they are planning to do and have inspected their fireworks too.
See Also: Children Most Likely to Get Hurt With Fireworks
Are You Ready to Celebrate the Fourth of July?