As Independence Day celebrations draw near, the Indiana State Fire Marshal is reminding Hoosiers about the safe and legal ways to buy and store fireworks.
Fireworks should only be purchased from a vendor with a valid Indiana fireworks sales permit. Fireworks vendors must have a permit from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) Fire and Building Safety Division, which is overseen by the State Fire Marshal. If a sales permit is not on display, it is okay to ask employees to see it before purchasing any kind of fireworks.
If a fireworks retailer is not displaying, and is unable to provide a copy of its permit, citizens can call the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety at 317-232-2222.
Additional reminders to consider when purchasing fireworks:
· Fireworks cannot be sold to or purchased by anyone younger than 18.
· Check packages and labels to make sure only 1.4G consumer fireworks are purchased; any other types of fireworks are illegal for consumer sales or purchases in Indiana, and may be more explosive.
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
· Be sure fireworks are out of the reach of children.
· Consider buying glow sticks instead of sparklers for children – sparklers can burn at temperatures high enough to melt glass.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.