OHIO, USA — As Independence Day draws closer, many Ohioans are beginning to make plans for cookouts and celebrations at home.
While it is legal to discharge fireworks on certain holidays, including July 3-5, there are some rules to keep in mind.
Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks, though some local municipalities have chosen to ban their use. Check with local governments or local laws to make sure it’s legal in your area before launching any fireworks.
If those qualifications are met, Ohioans ages 18 and older can launch the fireworks on their property or another person’s property if the owner has given express permission. See more details and rules about launching fireworks here.
Here's what the state says about launching fireworks properly:
- No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
- Fireworks must be discharged outdoors.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or other weather hazards exist.
- Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
- Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators (this includes aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets).
- Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).
- Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of property housing livestock unless 5 days advance written notice is provided to the owner of the property where the livestock is housed.
Always be sure to buy fireworks from licensed sales locations. Retailers must provide a safety pamphlet and offer safety glasses.
How to stay safe while launching fireworks
The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following guidelines for safety:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully douse fireworks that don't discharge or in case of fire.
