Unfortunately, few people understand their local burn laws, assuming that it’s legal to light whatever fireworks you can buy in your state. Maybe not.
Fireworks: Don’t Assume You Know What’s Legal
Fireworks laws may be unclear in your area; know that county and city laws could be more restrictive than the state. Also, know that buying locally-sold fireworks doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got the green light. Florida, for example, doesn’t permit any pyrotechnics that leave the ground or explode (sparklers are legal, and that’s about it); nevertheless, the sale of fireworks is legal in South Florida, where they can be purchased all over.
Come again?
As it turns out, Florida law allows anyone over 18 to purchase fireworks by signing a waiver, where the customer agrees to use the purchase under the exemption of using fireworks to scare off animals from farms or fish hatcheries. Unfortunately, few people realize what this waiver is for (read what you sign!); many assume the waiver is simply an acknowledgement of the danger and/or a promise to be safe.
Such laws may be common across the country, so find out what’s legal where you plan to light up. There may be permit, bonding, and insurance requirements for putting on a public firework display, as well as dates and times that fireworks are permitted.
Safety and Liability
A U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission statistic shows that an average of 7,500 people are treated every year due to fireworks-related injuries. Even if you’re using legal fireworks at permitted times and under other required circumstances, you could get busted if someone at your party gets hurt. Possible allegations could include failure to warn others of inherent dangers, failure to properly distance others from danger, failure to protect others from falling debris, failure to properly oversee use of fireworks (keep a close eye on your kids), or just plain failure to use common sense.
Keep The Party Under Control
“Social host liability” is the legal term for the criminal and civil responsibility of a person who furnishes liquor to a guest. In many states, a party host who serves alcohol is responsible for guests’ alcohol consumption and therefore for what happens if one of those drunk guests causes trouble behind the wheel on the way home (be prepared to arrange designated drivers). Serve plenty of food (avoid salty foods, which will make guests thirstier), and limit the amount of alcohol you serve (consider hiring a professional bartender to help limit consumption). Also watch the kids (even if they’re not your own), as you could get burned for letting minors drink on your property, whether you were there or provided it or not. What’s scarier: you could even be liable if drinking at your home contributes to a sex crime.
Independence Day is a time to have fun and celebrate our country’s freedom, so enjoy it. Just know what festivities are legal in your area, use common sense to stay safe, and wave that flag!
