Novi Fire Department Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

—Submitted by the City of Novi

Summer is upon us and so are the traditions of outdoor gatherings including the celebration of the nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. While fireworks are commonly used during summer festivities, they can quickly turn celebrations into a tragedy if they aren’t handled properly.

Recently, the State Legislature passed the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which is a comprehensive new law that has in Michigan. Fireworks that are now permitted to be sold in Michigan, categorized as consumer fireworks, include roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and the like.

The City of Novi has adopted a local ordinance, which goes into effect July 3, that includes the following restrictions:

• It is prohibited in Novi to ignite and discharge consumer fireworks except on the day before, day of, and day after a national holiday including New Year’s Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

• The ordinance also prohibits the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks on public property, including streets and rights-of-way, or on school property, church property, city parks, or private property owned by others, without written permission.

• Fireworks shall not be ignited, discharged or used by a person under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. A violation of the above is a municipal civil infraction, punishable by a civil fine of not more than $500, plus any costs, damages and expenses.

Fireworks safety tips

When celebrating with fireworks, it is imperative to do so with safety in mind. Sparklers, a common firework purchased for children, can reach 1,800 Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold. The U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA estimates nearly 9,000 injuries were caused by fireworks in 2010 and two out of five people were under the age of 15. Additionally, a reported 18,000 fires were caused by fireworks in 2009.

The recommends you enjoy fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, please consider the following safety precautions:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Adults should always supervise fireworks activities.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never use, ignite, or discharge any fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.