With the measles vaccination rate creeping toward President Biden’s 70-percent-by-July-Fourth goal — 60.3 percent of adults over 16 have been partially vaccinated as of this writing — fireworks stores are popping up all over the state. But with the recent rash of injuries and deaths caused by fireworks, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines when buying, handling and using them. The good news is, Michigan law allows anyone age 18 or older to purchase consumer fireworks such as Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortars up to 3 inches in diameter and airborne cakes that spin or fly through the air. And, if you’re interested in taking part in professionally-displayed fireworks shows like the ones many communities hold around Independence Day, those are also legal.
When it comes to purchasing fireworks, Miller suggests Michigan fireworks stores you check out a store that has been certified by the state to sell them. He says that a store with a certificate will have signs on the shelves listing safety precautions and warnings to never look down the tube of mortars or allow children to handle them. He said that he and his staff take these concerns seriously and he’s happy to be the first fireworks store in Bay County since legislation passed earlier this year making many new types of consumer fireworks available for sale in the state.
Other states like Ohio, Missouri and South Carolina have similar laws that permit the sales of some or all consumer fireworks to their residents, but with restrictions on their use such as only having one selling season per year; usually around the 4th of July. And, some of these states have local ordinances or regulations that further restrict the types of consumer fireworks allowed for sale or use and/or add or limit their selling seasons.
Wholesale Fireworks has done its best to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, but it’s important to remember that state laws regarding fireworks change all the time. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to verify this information with the State Fire Marshal before making any purchases.
In addition, if you’re going to be using fireworks, it is illegal for you to discharge them on public property including parking lots and streets without the express permission of the government or the property owner. It’s also against the law to make loud noises or throw debris while using fireworks and littering is a misdemeanor. It’s recommended that you keep a bucket of water and a garden hose handy in case of accidents or emergencies while lighting fireworks, especially sparklers which can reach temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Adults should always supervise children using sparklers and it’s also a good idea to keep pets out of the area when using fireworks. And, if you don’t want to be bothered with the clean-up of fireworks afterward, consider asking neighbors or local businesses to host a collection site for the community. They can then take the spent fireworks to a landfill and dispose of them properly.