Safety Tips for Independence Day
COLUMBUS, OH – With 4th of July festivities and parties in full swing, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is making sure you celebrate our Country’s Independence safely and responsibly.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office, in conjunction with the Division of Liquor and Cannabis Control, are teaming up to make sure all Ohioans stay safe this Independence Day.
Paul Martin, the Fire Prevention Bureau’s Assistant Chief, says since 2022 the Ohio Fire Code has permitted the use of consumer grade fireworks on July 3rd-5th from 4 to 11PM.
He says if you plan to set off some fireworks, to always double check and follow the local laws and ordinances in your town.
“Obviously you want to make sure you’re using legal fireworks, you know, something that comes from a reputable dealer.” Martin said. “Not something that’s homemade or otherwise altered, we also want to make sure that we’re using a safe distance. So if you’re going to set them off anywhere, you want to make sure you’ve got a good, safe distance around with no buildings, no trees, shrubs, anything that can catch on fire. As well as a safe viewing distance for anyone that would happen to be there.”
Martin says to also be cautious with giving out novelty fireworks, like sparklers, to children under the age of 12.
He says that sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and even melt some metals at that temperature.
Martin also provided some tips on how to keep your grill area safe this holiday weekend.
“You want to make sure you have a safe zone around your grill.” Martin said. “A good 3 foot distance between anything and that’s your deck, your siding, anything like that and the little ones as well. So keeping that safe distance around the grill, that way you don’t get anybody in around the grill that shouldn’t be around the grill, especially the little ones.”
Martin also recommends if you’re heading out to see a fireworks show, to make sure the people putting it on are professionals because they are trained to create a safe environment for everyone.
