Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about fireworks.
When can I set my fireworks off?
It may depend on where you live. In December 2018, the Michigan Legislature passed a bill that allowed local governments to restrict fireworks use in their communities via ordinances. The bill also decreased the number of days in a year residents could ignite fireworks unrestricted from 30 to 12 days. However, state law still prohibits local governments from restricting fireworks use on the following days after 11a.m.:
Dec. 31 until Jan. 1 at 1 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m.
June 29 through July 4 until 11:45 p.m. each day
July 5, if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day until 11:45 p.m.
Violations of local ordinances may result in a fine of $1,000 per offense.
Where can I light my fireworks?
On your own private property. It is illegal to ignite fireworks from public property, including streets and sidewalks, from school or church property, or from a friend’s property unless given their express permission.
Violations of this law may result in a fine of up to $500.
How can I keep my kids safe around fireworks?
In 2019, there were about 10,000 injuries and 12 deaths in the United States connected to fireworks. Adults should always supervise the use of fireworks, including sparklers. Though small, they can hit a whopping 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causing burns to the skin, clothing damage, and grass fires.
Over 50 percent of sparkler-related injuries occur in children under 14 nationwide. It’s always smart to have a bucket of water or hose handy in case things get out of control.
It’s very dry in northern Michigan. Does that raise
concerns about fireworks?
In an average year, there are more fires on the Fourth of July than any other day in the year, with a third of those fires caused by fireworks. Much of Michigan is dry this spring, which is a particular worry in heavily wooded areas in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Fireworks can be temporarily banned on a county basis under certain weather conditions. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the state fire marshal, and the head of the Department of Natural Resources all have the authority to ban fireworks use due to dry conditions.
What about parties and fireworks?
State law makes it illegal to ignite fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Violations of this law may result in a $1,000 fine. In other words, don’t drink and sparkle.
My dog goes nuts when my neighbors set off
fireworks. What can I do?
First, make sure your dog can’t run away — some get frantic at the sound and flashing light. Other tips from the American Kennel Club include comforting your dog during the barrage, taking them for a long walk before the firecrackers come out, and playing white noise, such as a fan.
How can I enjoy at-home fireworks while respecting
neighbors, who are sensitive to them?
Some people experience sensitivity to fireworks, including veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s important to respect your neighbors while enjoying summer festivities.
“If you choose to use fireworks, consider doing so at a planned, reasonable, and known time interval, and communicating that to those around you, so your celebration doesn’t become the unintentional “trigger” for someone else,” said Ryan Engle, partnership coordinator at the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
“Or, consider starting a new tradition to celebrate independence and the purpose of the holiday – one many men and women fought and sacrificed for.”
General safety tips Matthew Erickson, a public information officer with LARA, provided Bridge Michigan with fireworks safety tips he considers essential for protecting the “lives and property” of Michiganders this summer.
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.
- Ensure people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.
NEVER:
- Buy fireworks packaged in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks – they are for professional use only.
- 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 shoot them off in metal or glass
containers.
Original source can be found here.
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