With Independence Day approaching, please review and adhere to the following:
Only attend public fireworks displays performed by trained and permitted professionals.
After the display, do not pick up or touch leftover fireworks because they may still be active.
Fireworks such as firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, roman candles, and aerial fireworks are illegal to possess or sell in the state of North Carolina. Violators of the law face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months. Fireworks that do not leave the ground and fly through the air are permitted. These include, but are not limited to sparklers, fountains, and novelty items. Remember: anything that can be projected into the air or explodes is illegal.
Legal fireworks include: Wire sparklers, trick noisemakers such as party, string (poppers), and snappers, smoke devices that have a sphere or tube which produce white or colored smoke, as well as snake and glow worms.
Children under the age of 18 cannot legally buy or use fireworks in North Carolina.
In 2007, approximately 9,500 people sustained an injury from fireworks serious enough to send them to their local emergency room. The majority of the injuries were from burns. Sparklers are the most frequent cause of firework injuries to children nationwide. A lit sparkler can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees that can cause third degree burns when a child grabs the wire.
The Charlotte Fire Department offers the following safety tips:
- Buy from reliable fireworks vendors
- Never alter fireworks or try to make your own
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Loose clothing should not be worn while handling fireworks
- Fireworks are not toys and should only be handled by responsible adults.
- Have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire emergency
- Light one firework at a time and move away from it quickly, if a firework does not light the first time, do not attempt to light it again
- Ignite your fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from grass, trees and other vegetation
- Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container
- Please use in an open area, not close to a structure.
