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Officials Stress Common Sense |
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Friday, 03 July 2009 |
By ANGELA WEAVER
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — Area officials are reminding residents to proceed with caution this holiday weekend if they choose to operate fireworks.
St. Marys Fire Department Captain Wayne Sweigart reminded residents that the majority of fireworks are not allowed in the state.
“Fireworks are illegal,” he said. “Anything that goes ‘bang’ is illegal — anything that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal.”
According to a news release by the state fire marshal’s office, fireworks in Ohio are classified into two different categories — 1.3G fireworks and 1.4G fireworks.
Category 1.3G fireworks include display or exhibitor fireworks and can only be sold by and to a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or exhibitor. They can only be discharged by a licensed exhibitor.
Trick and novelty fireworks, like sparklers and smoke bombs, are considered exempted 1.4G fireworks and can be sold anywhere in the state.
Category 1.4G fireworks include fireworks like firecrackers and bottle rockets. They can only be purchased by someone over 18, who must sign a form certifying they will transport the fireworks outside of Ohio, and cannot be discharged legally in Ohio, according to the release.
If someone was found with the fireworks, Sweigart said it would be under the jurisdiction of the police department.
“Law enforcement would be involved,” he said. “Most likely, they would be confiscated.”
Even when using fireworks like sparklers and snaps, Sweigart said residents should take certain safety steps.
“Always have adult supervision,” he said. “Make sure they’re used on a solid surface — like concrete— no wood, no grass. With sparklers, make sure they’re at arm’s length.”
Sweigart also suggested having a water source available when using items like sparklers.
“Wet the sparklers when you’re done to cool off the metal,” he said. “As dry as it is outside, people may want to take that into consideration.”
Sweigart said the fire department has yet to see any firework-related injuries this year.
“A lot of times, it will be another adult who will take them to the hospital because no one wants to be in trouble,” he said.
St. Marys Police Department Sergeant Ted Copeland said possession of fireworks in the state of Ohio is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
“It could result in 30 days in jail and up to a $500 to $750 fine,” he said.
Copeland said police officers will be patrolling the area during the holiday weekend.
“We’ll get a lot of complaints,” he said. “If we get a complaint, we’ll patrol the area and usually it stops.”
Copeland cautioned those considering purchasing fireworks.
“Don’t,” he said. “If it’s not bought in the local grocery store, you shouldn’t have it. Not only is it illegal, but it can be dangerous.”
Copeland said residents misusing fireworks could result in minor burns and people crippling themselves.
“They could start fires if they shoot them into the wrong place or if they land in the wrong place,” he said.
According to a news release from the fire marshal, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that “in 2007 approximately 9,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half the injuries were burns, and most of the injuries involved hands, eyes and legs. Children 10 to 14 years old had the highest per capita injury rate among all age groups.” |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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