Celebrating New Year’s Safely

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Many people like to begin the new year with a bang.

It’s an age-old tradition that began with shooting firearms into the air but is quickly transitioning to fireworks since the state made them legal in 2022. Zanesville Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Ferguson took a moment to share some of Ohio’s fireworks protocols as well as some common sense safety tips.

“From 4 p.m. until midnight on New Year’s Eve…” Ferguson said. “Actually ‘til 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day and then also on New Year’s Day from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. there are certain holidays throughout the year also that they can discharge them as well.”

Ferguson noted that fireworks should only be discharged by adults on private property with a 150 foot safety perimeter.

 Ferguson said, “Use gloves, long sleeve shirts, safety glasses… It’s illegal to set them off if you’re drinking alcohol or any other drugs or anything like that.”

Ferguson recommends searching Ohio fireworks safety online to learn more about the laws and how you can celebrate the occasion more safely.