Published: July 01, 2008 11:27 pm            

Officials urge caution with fireworks

Laws limit when and where fireworks are allowed

Safety is a must with parades, cookouts and fireworks on tap for this weekend, police warn.

To ensure a safe Fourth of July, Indiana State Police are reminding people of the new laws in place regarding fireworks.

According to Indiana law, fireworks can be set off between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., or midnight on a holiday.

The law also states that only individuals over the age of 18 can purchase fireworks. A person 18 years of age or older has to be present when anyone younger than 18 is using or possessing fireworks.

When launching off fireworks, location is the key.

People can only discharge fireworks on their property or the property of someone who granted permission for fireworks to be discharged, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.

A person who violates this law can be charged with a Class C infraction.

A person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally using fireworks can be charged with a class A misdemeanor if the violation causes property damage or if there is bodily injury. The offense is enhanced to a class D felony if there is bodily injury, and a C felony if there is a death.

Kokomo police also warn that any type of firework is illegal by city ordinance in any city park, which includes Foster Park during this weekend’s Haynes Apperson Festival.

“Any use of any type of firework in the area of Foster Park is illegal and will be enforced through the issuance of a citation,” said Sgt. Gary McKay of the Kokomo Police Department.

Kokomo police and the Kokomo Fire Department also warn people of the danger of fireworks.

In 2005, the use of fireworks resulted in more than 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires across the country.

Reported injuries were even more dramatic, Fire Inspector Dan Zehner of the Kokomo Fire Department said.

In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated at hospitals for injuries that were firework related. One-third of those injured were under the age of 15.

The most commonly used fireworks, such as fountains and sparklers accounted for more than 28 percent of these injuries.

Parents should supervise the use of fireworks by children to reduce the risk of injury.

State police encourage adults to constantly monitor children who use fireworks.

“In the past, children have suffered needless burns on their arms and hands as a result of improperly using bottle rockets, fire crackers, and sparklers,” Sgt. Tony Slocum said.

Fireworks can cause serious injuries such as blindness, burns and permanent scaring if not used properly, the American Red Cross warned.

In 2005, four people died and an estimated 10,800 were treated in emergency rooms across the county for fireworks-related injuries. Patients with severe burns to the skin can require up to eight units of blood.

With these mounting injuries, the Red Cross is asking people to help rebuild the holiday blood supply by donating blood, Amanda Banks at the American Red Cross said.

A drive is set up from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at South Side Christian Church, 201 E. Markland Ave., to help ensure there is plenty of blood to treat holiday injuries.

To donate blood, a person must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and in good general health. For more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1-800 GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).



Where to see fireworks this week:

Greentown

Howard County 4-H fairgrounds, at dusk Friday

Peru

Along the riverwalk, approximately 9 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, or when it is dark enough.

Burlington

At Burlington Community Park. Hog roast meal from 5-9 p.m., Friday, entertainment, miniature golf and more. Fireworks at dark.

Tipton

God Bless the USA SkyConcert will begin at 10:03 p.m. Friday at Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Kokomo

Fireworks show will begin after dark Saturday in Foster Park.

Walton

Fireworks show will begin at dusk Friday. Fireworks will be shot from the town park.



Fireworks safety tips:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips for those who will be lighting fireworks this Fourth of July:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.

• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

• Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.

        

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