Fireworks Safety

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Fireworks Law

Although the City of Twinsburg has opted out of the new state law and continues to ban the use of consumer grade fireworks, residents of Twinsburg Township will be permitted to use the 1.4G products. Please review the FAQ regarding the revised Ohio Fire Code:

Beginning July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio.  However, discharge is only permitted on specific days and only at specific times - as set forth in amendments to Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) § 3743.45 (which become effective July 1, 2022) and new Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 1301:7-7-56(Z)(5626) (which becomes effective July 3, 2022) - and only if not banned or further restricted by a local political subdivision. Click on the links to see the full text of the new laws and rules.

 
When can Ohioans discharge fireworks? 
Unless further limited by local jurisdictions, Ohioans can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks only from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. (unless otherwise specified) on the following dates: 

  • July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4
  • Labor Day weekend (1st Monday in September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
  • Diwali 
  • New Year’s Eve (4 p.m.-11:59 p.m.)
  • New Year’s Day (also 12 a.m.-1 a.m.)
  • Chinese New Year 
  • Cinco de Mayo 
  • Memorial Day weekend (last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
  • Juneteenth (June 19)  

Where can consumers discharge fireworks?
Consumers can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on their own property or on another person’s property with that person’s permission – EXCEPT where a political subdivision has opted out of 1.4G consumer fireworks discharge. 

What fireworks can consumers discharge?
Consumers (Ohio residents and nonresidents) can only discharge 1.4G consumer grade fireworks that were purchased in Ohio from an Ohio licensed fireworks sales location.  Consumers are not allowed to purchase or discharge 1.3G display grade fireworks.  

Where can Ohioans buy fireworks? 
Consumers may only purchase such fireworks from an Ohio licensed fireworks sales location. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide buyers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and a safety pamphlet specifying language as set forth in the R.C. 

Fireworks must be discharged responsibly. 
No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance. A person who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. 

What laws and rules apply?
R.C. § 3743.45 (as effective July 1, 2022) and OFC § 5626 (effective July 3, 2022) apply.  These rules outline how 1.4G consumer fireworks must be used and stored by consumers.  Some provisions in the rules include:

  • No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
  • Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
  • Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators (this includes aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets).
  • Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).

Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of occupancies such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations, and railroads.

  • No person can store in excess of 125 pounds (net weight pyrotechnic composition) of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.
  • Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.
  • Fireworks cannot be aimed at or discharged towards any person or object (such as buildings).
  • Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.
  • Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or a weather hazard exists. 
  • Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of property housing livestock unless 5 days advance written notice is provided to the owner of the property where the livestock is housed.


Fireworks Safety

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are federally banned explosives, not fireworks. They can cause serious injury or even death, and users can incur fines. Never use any firework that isn't labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer and instructions for proper use.

Fireworks are not toys, but designed to burn to produce motion or visible / audible effects. They burn at approximately the same temperature as a household match and can cause burns and ignite combustibles if used improperly. NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close, adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.

Select and use only legal devices. In Ohio, only sparklers, trick noisemakers and "novelties" are allowed. All others must be taken out of state within 48 hours of purchase by a resident. Stay away from illegal explosives which continue to cause serious injuries around the Fourth of July holiday. These devices are commonly known as M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters or quarter-pounders. Federally banned since 1966, these items will not contain the manufacturer's name and are usually totally unlabeled. Don't purchase or use unlabeled fireworks. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local police department.

Homemade fireworks are deadly. Never attempt to make your own devices and do not purchase or use any kits that are advertised for making fireworks. Mixing and loading chemical powders is very dangerous and can kill or seriously injure you. Leave the making of fireworks to the experts.

Safety Tips:

  • Always read and follow manufacturer's directions.
  • Adults should closely supervise.
  • Buy from reliable sellers.
  • Use outdoors only.
  • Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
  • Stay away from illegal explosives.


For More Information, visit the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal:  https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/fireworks