Fireworks come with long list of rules in Ohio

FINDLAY — Since July 2022, a change in state law has allowed Ohioans to discharge fireworks legally, but there is a long list of rules. Asked about the rules in Findlay, Police Chief James Mathias referenced the Ohio Revised Code. State law allows any political subdivision to opt out of allowing the discharge of fireworks within its limits. The city of Findlay permits it and follows Ohio law. According to the state's rules, only fireworks purchased in Ohio may be discharged in Ohio. Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide consumers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and with a safety pamphlet. Independence Day is one of nine holidays when Ohioans can legally discharge fireworks. For the July 4th holiday, the days include July 3, 4, and 5, and the weekends immediately before and after, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. Other holidays include: • Labor Day weekend (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• Diwali (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• New Year's Eve (4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.)• New Year's Day (12 a.m. to 1 a.m.; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• Chinese New Year (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• Cinco de Mayo (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• Memorial Day weekend (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)• Juneteenth (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.) Following is a list of the rules, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code: • 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.• It is illegal to use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • No person can use fireworks while in possession of or in control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.• Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators. (This includes aerial shells, roman candles, firework "cakes" and bottle rockets).• Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators. (This includes firework fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).• It is also recommended to set off fireworks in a clear area away from buildings and flammable materials and keep a bucket of water nearby. Aerial fireworks require a 150-foot distance from spectators. Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations and railroads. • No person can store more than 125 pounds (net weight of 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 toward 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 other weather hazards exist. Other safety guidelines include: • Don't allow children to play with fireworks.• Set them off outside in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials.• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.• Don't try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and throw them away.• Make sure other people are out of range before lighting them.• Don't have any part of your body over the firework while lighting it.• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep unused products away from where you're igniting them.• Don't light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.