As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, please remember to do so safely. The City of New Albany would like to pass along the following safety reminders:

• Effective July 3, 2022, the State of Ohio allows people to set off “consumer fireworks” on their own property or on another person’s property with permission. Click here to learn more. While some communities continue to ban consumer fireworks, New Albany has chosen to follow Ohio Revised Code.
• Although consumer fireworks are now permitted, the safest way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is best to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
• According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022.
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says burns accounted for 42% of the injuries treated in emergency rooms on July 4, 2023. The parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 35 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 22 percent).
• A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a statistically significant trend in estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries from 2008 through 2023. This trend estimates an increase of 561 fireworks injuries per year
• In 2023, at least eight people died, and an estimated 9,700 were injured in incidents involving fireworks.
• Novelty items such as sparklers are also permitted in Ohio. However, the challenge with novelty items is the unknown risk for injury. Sparklers burn at an extremely high temperature. Water boils at 212°F, wood burns at 575°F, glass melts at 900°F and sparklers can reach 2000°F.
• In 2023, there were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers.

Tips to Celebrate Safely

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

For more 4th of July safety tips, head to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website by clicking here.