This reminder with the 4th of July observance now upon us state officials want to remind the public that each year, more firework-related injuries are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year.
The Indiana State Fire Marshall’s office says last year 47 percent of the total number of reported cases occurred on the 4th.
Indiana State Fire Marshal James Greeson says having more knowledge on fireworks safety and taking smart precautions when handling fireworks can lead to safer celebrations. Fire Marshal Greeson says fireworks make the holiday exciting, but he says Hoosiers need to remain vigilant about firework safety.
Last year, 181 firework-related injuries were reported to the Indiana State Department of Health the highest number of firework-related injuries since 2006. According to media reports, two Indiana residents died in 2015 due to firework-related injuries.
More than one-third of all reported firework-related injuries involved individuals 18 years of age and younger. In fact the average age of all injured persons was 24.5 years old; ages ranged from 1 to 78.
Hand and/or finger injuries accounted for 43 percent of firework-related injuries. Firecrackers, rockets and aerial devices accounted for 47 percent of injuries.
LOCAL FIREWORKS TIMES
During Tuesday’s gathering of the Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang also asked the public to use caution when shooting fireworks. Fire Chief Hochgesang also reiterated for safety measures an adult should always be present.
Indiana state law says that fireworks can be used only from 9 am till midnight on holidays; on other days, the time frame is from 9 a.m. to 11 pm.
Those who use fireworks are required to clean up their mess and especially clean up what is left on city and other people’s property.
