Staying safe and legal should be at the heart of celebrations this Independence Day – that includes how and where residents can set off fireworks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over ten thousand injuries treated in U.S. hospitals last year, stemming from injuries from fireworks.
New Philadelphia Fire Captain Jim Sholtz says that using common sense around fireworks can make a big difference in avoiding a fire or personal injury.
Sholtz reminds parents that, although fireworks such a sparklers appear harmless, they account for about 25% of fireworks injuries.
Last year’s Ohio House Bill 172 made fireworks legal in the state during nine holidays, which include July 3rd, 4th and 5th, as well as the three-day weekend surrounding Independence Day.
Many cities and villages, including New Philadelphia, opted out of the bill, continuing the ban on fireworks. Residents should contact their local municipalities to determine what is legal in their area.
Additional information about the fireworks bill can be found at FireworksLaw_Consumer.pdf (ohio.gov).
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