What you should know before July 4th
Time for fireworks? Celebrate safely with these consumer safety tips
Fireworks can be a great way to celebrate all year round, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly.
Damien Henderson, USA TODAY
The Fourth of July is often a time for celebration — barbecues, time at one of Michigan’s many lakes, and of course, fireworks. But Michiganders know that fireworks aren’t just for the Fourth of July. As you prepare for the festivities this summer, here’s a reminder of Michigan’s laws regarding fireworks:
Check whether fireworks are allowed in your municipality
Local authorities in Michigan may set restrictions on the discharge of fireworks. If you are unsure if you live in an area where fireworks are allowed, check with your local authority for restrictions.
However, there are certain days when Michigan law allows fireworks, regardless of local regulations:
- December 31st to January 1st, 1am.
- The Saturday and Sunday immediately before Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m.
- June 29th to July 4th, until 11:45 p.m.
- July 5, if this date is a Friday or Saturday, until 23:45
- The Saturday and Sunday immediately before Labor Day until 11:45 p.m.
Fireworks may only be set off on private property
Michigan state law requires that personal fireworks be set off only on private property. Personal fireworks are pyrotechnics you buy at the store and take home – sparklers, smoke bombs, fireworks and flares that are shot into the air to explode. In Michigan, it is illegal to sell fireworks to minors.
They may not be set off on public property – including in front of schools, churches or on sidewalks – and may not be set off on another person’s property without permission. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Aerial fireworks, including Roman candle fireworks, are not allowed in Michigan’s state parks, trails and harbors. However, smaller fireworks such as sparklers and fountain displays are permitted, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Further tips on the safe handling of fireworks
The DNR offers some helpful tips for safe fireworks fun:
Do:
- Supervise children with fireworks and sparklers. Keep fireworks away from your face.
- Fireworks may only be lit on flat, paved or gravelled surfaces. The surface should be sprayed with water before and after burning.
- Throw used fireworks and sparklers into a bucket of water.
- Have a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks.
Not:
- If a firework fails to explode, try relighting it. Wait 15 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water.
- Light fireworks in forests or fields where dry grass or leaves could catch fire.
Contact Arpan Lobo: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.
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