FYI

According to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) in Michigan, consumer fireworks must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Only people 18 years of age and older can purchase fireworks from licensed facilities. Low impact fireworks (ground-based items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers) are also legal for sale and use. State law requires that consumer-grade fireworks only be ignited from personal property. It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person’s property without their express permission. State law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. LARA offers these safety tips to protect lives and property:

ALWAYS:

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions

• Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers

• Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance

• Ensure people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks

• Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps

• Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.

NEVER:

• Buy fireworks packaged in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks – they are for professional use only

• Experiment with or make your own fireworks

• Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks

• Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse

• Try to re-light “duds” or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. (Rather, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.)

• Point or throw fireworks at other people

• Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.