As Indiana families prepare their barbecue grills and head to their local firework stand this Fourth of July, it's important to know basic safety precautions.
13,000 people were injured using fireworks across the U.S. last year in addition to 1,300 sparkler-related injuries, according to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The Indiana State Fire Marshal sent out tips on how to stay safe using fireworks this year. Here are the highlights:
- Maintain a safe distance from all active fireworks
- Never let small children near fireworks
- Have a water hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire
- Never lean over a firework when lighting
- Follow all instruction labels
- Never use fireworks if impaired by drugs or alcohol
Fireworks can be set off this Saturday from 10 a.m to midnight.
Using fireworks on public land, roads, or private property without the owner's permission is illegal according to Indiana code. Current law states people under the age of 18 are not permitted to purchase or light fireworks without adult supervision.
For more information on the rules around fireworks use visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's website.
Contact WFYI reporting intern Chloe White at cwhite@wfyi.org
