As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Americans should be aware of the dangers associated with fireworks and the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks in 2023. Of those injuries, 66% occurred in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July holiday. As Americans gather to celebrate and communities hold special events, fireworks may be used in unsafe ways or by children and teenagers who do not know how to properly handle the explosive material. In fact, these firework accidents tend to involve children and teenagers the most. Within the four weeks surrounding the Fourth of July holiday, teenagers ages 15 to 19 had the highest rate of emergency department-treated injuries, with children 5 to 9 having the second highest rate, says the CPSC.

“The importance of practicing safety and caution when it comes to fireworks cannot be underscored,” says Mayor Justin Green. “The improper use of fireworks poses a real threat to the children and adults in our community. We all want to celebrate, but we must do it responsibly when it comes to dangerous material like fireworks and pyrotechnics.”

To keep yourself and others safe, never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even the use of sparklers can leave children injured, as 700 of last year’s reported injuries came from these handheld fireworks. We encourage citizens to opt for watching professional fireworks display rather than setting them off on their own, but if individuals do purchase pyrotechnics, they should make sure the fireworks are legal and for consumer use. Do not buy fireworks marked for professional use or that have noncompliant components. When setting off fireworks, it is important to keep a bucket of water or hose handy, in case of mishaps. Light fireworks one at a time, and never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that are not fully ignited. Finally, never use fireworks while impaired with drugs or alcohol. If you choose to set off fireworks, be sure the person who is handling and igniting the pyrotechnics is sober and aware.

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the holiday, and that involves putting these safety tips into practice and looking out for one another over the Fourth of July,” says Mayor Green.

Indiana consumer firework use is allowed from June 29 through July 3 from 5pm until two hours after sunset, July 4 from 10am to midnight and July 5 to July 9 from 5pm until two hours after sunset.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving, Inc. is scheduled to begin paving and milling work on State Road 60 west of Salem beginning on or after Saturday, June 29, in Washington County.

Work will take place between Smedley Road located approximately two miles east of Campbellsburg and Dog Trot Road located approximately three miles west of Salem.

Work is expected to take up to four days, weather permitting. Flagging operations will be utilized while work is in progress.

This work is part of a $2.1 million contract awarded to E&B Paving in January 2023. 

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.

All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.