Designing a Home Fireworks Display--Part 2

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Jun 2006 11:19 AM

In my previous blog ("Designing a Home Fireworks Display-Part 1"), I offered some simple tips to create a 4th of July event in your own backyard. Much of what I suggested can be applied to families who live in the city or the suburbs, however it is important to check with your local municipality to see what specific laws are in place regarding the use of fireworks.

Here are examples of general fireworks laws that are currently in place in most of the 50 states.

It is illegal to:

· Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

· Throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

· Set off fireworks in the vicinity of health-care facilities and animal-care facilities.

· Ignite fireworks by schools.

· Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields or places of worship.

· Offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minor to possess, purchase, set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks. Parents or guardians may allow children to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

· Possess or use aerial fireworks without first obtaining a public display permit.

If you do decide to create your own home fireworks display keep these safety tips in mind:

· Use only approved fireworks from a licensed retail outlet that has posted their retail license at its sale site.

· Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer.

· Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building or animal.

· Never ignite fireworks indoors.

· Never set off fireworks in metal or glass containers.

· Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.

Best wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day!

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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