As you’re preparing for Fourth of July celebrations tomorrow, remember to stay safe and follow the laws if you’re going to set off fireworks. WKAR’s Katie Cook has some reminders for you.
In compliance with the state of Michigan law, the Lansing city ordinance states that consumer fireworks can only be used between 8 a.m. and midnight July 3-5.
Not everyone obeys the ordinance, however. Robert Merritt of the Lansing Police Department says last year on the fourth they received 71 service calls for things like noise complaints. During the three days of celebration July 3 through 5 they typically get 75 to 100 calls per day.
You should also exercise caution when setting off your own fireworks,
Lynn Sutfin is a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She gave WKAR some good safety tips.
“Wear some safety glasses when you’re shooting off fireworks. Don’t let children, young children particularly, play or ignite fireworks, even sparklers.
Believe it or not sparklers burn at some pretty high temperatures and they can really burn a child. Never point or throw a firework at another person. Light them one at a time and then move away from them quickly because you don’t want to be there when they go off. And then just always make sure you have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case there’s a fire or mishap that way you can put it out quickly.”
To report illegal use of fireworks, you should call LPD’s non-emergency line at (517) 483-4600.