Officials warn of illegal-fireworks risk

With the Fourth of July approaching, officials are reminding residents that fireworks are still illegal to set off without a permit in Ohio.

That won’t stop people from using — and getting hurt by — fireworks. Lisa Schwing, the trauma program manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital, said the Fourth of July is a busy week for hospitals.

“It’s historically one of the biggest trauma weeks,” Schwing said.

The hospital usually sees burn-related injuries from fireworks, Schwing said. Injuries usually aren’t severe unless children are hit by a projectile. Last year, one child suffered severe facial and head injuries after a firework exploded close by, Schwing said.

In 2016, more than 8,000 people were treated by emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries, and three died, according to Prevent Blindness. More than 70 percent of those injuries took place in a one-month period around the Fourth of July.

Schwing said she encourages parents to take their children to professional shows rather than backyard displays.

“We’d like for kids to attend a public show with their parents and avoid the do-it-yourself scene,” Schwing said.

Illegal backyard fireworks aren’t the only cause of Independence Day injuries. Schwing said the hospital sees sparkler-related eye trauma every year.

Parents should always keep tabs on their kids, and drivers should watch out for kids after dark, Schwing said. She estimated Fourth of July injuries are about half fireworks-related and half vehicle-related.

“We would encourage people to be kid-conscious,” Schwing said of drivers. “If you’re an adult, treat that evening like you would trick-ortreat.”

Sherry Williams, president and CEO of the Ohio affiliate of Prevent Blindness, said the best way to stay safe for the holiday is to avoid doing anything dangerous.

“That includes playing with explosives,” Williams said.

Fireworks may not be illegal across Ohio for long. The Ohio House recently passed House Bill 226, introduced by Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, and Martin Sweeney, D-Cleveland, which would allow the purchase and use of fireworks within state borders and give local governments the ability to regulate them. It would also create a committee to consider alternative regulations.

Danial Peart, government affairs director for Youngstown-based Phantom Fireworks Inc., previously said if the study committee doesn’t recommend alternative regulations, starting in 2020, “Ohioans would finally be able to use fireworks safely and responsibly.”

But Williams opposes the bill and said half of all fireworks injuries involve people “minding their own business.”

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