Fireworks lovers can celebrate July Fourth safely and legally

Friday, June 30, 2006

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has provided the following information.

The legal fireworks in Maryland are sparklers, ground-based sparkling devices that are nonaerial and nonexplosive, paper-wrapped snappers containing less than 3⁄100 grains of explosive composition and snakes that contain no mercury.

Retailers must submit products for testing and approval to the State Fire Marshal’s Office prior to selling them.

Consumer fireworks are illegal to retail or use in Ocean City, Baltimore city and the following counties: Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s.

A person must be at least 16 to purchase fireworks from a retailer.

You must apply to the state fire marshal at least 10 days before the display date with a $50 fee per display. A late fee of $50 can be assessed for late applications. Display permits are also needed for outdoor displays as well as proximate audience displays.

Insurance for injuries can be bought for $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for more than one person. Insurance for property damage can be purchased for $10,000.

To help you safely celebrate July Fourth, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the fireworks safety council offer the following tips:

*Always read and follow label directions.

*Have an adult present.

*Buy from reliable sellers.

*Use outdoors only.

*Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

*Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

*Light only one firework at a time.

*Never relight a ‘‘dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

*Never give fireworks to small children.

*If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

*Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

*Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

*Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

*Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

*The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

*Stay away from illegal explosives.

Alexander Eubanks