Tuesday, July 04, 2000

Fireworks users ignore law

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By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        Greater Cincinnatians on Monday lined up to take part in an annual Fourth of July parade — to local fireworks distributors — with an eye toward celebration and a blind eye toward the law.

        It is legal to buy fireworks in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, but with a few exceptions for items such as sparklers, it is illegal to use them here.

        Of course, most people do.

FIREWORKS FACTS

• Bottle rockets, one of the more popular fireworks, can move up to 200 mph. They account for most injuries that lead to permanent eye damage.   • Sparklers are the second-highest cause of fireworks injury, because they burn at temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees.   • About half of all fireworks injuries are to bystanders.

SAFETY TIPS

• Have a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks.   • Beware of loose clothing when lighting fireworks.   • Don't relight fireworks that don't function correctly the first time.   • Never allow children to play with fireworks.   Falmouth man hurt by fireworks   Source: Health Alliance

        “Mainly sparklers for the kids,” Bill Wolf, 35, of Williamsburg, Clermont County, said as he left a packed Rozzi's Fireworks in Symmes Township. “Morning glories, stuff like that.”

        Clermont County Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg said he personally wishes users a safe celebration. But the law is clear.

        However, he said his deputies, like most officers, won't pursue offenders unless there is a complaint. So far this holiday, his office has received several.

        Then, officers have no choice.

        Improper use of fireworks in Ohio is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. And because offenders who buy locally must sign a form requiring out-of-state transport of fireworks within 48 hours, knowingly violating it constitutes falsification. That's also a first-degree misdemeanor, doubling the maximum penalty.

        Ohio also requires the purchaser to declare the destination state. In Indiana, purchasers are required to sign a form saying they will not violate any state fireworks law.

        “I think it's ridiculous the way the law is written,” Sheriff Rodenberg said. “Let's not create it to be illegal to use but can be sold. And it puts law enforcement in a terrible bind.”

        Fireworks use inevitably puts medical personnel in a bind, too.

        “We're certainly seeing more,” said Dr. Greg Fermann, director of clinical operations at University Hospital. “Extremity burns and facial and eye injuries. Mostly, it's from their using them incorrectly, or letting their kids use them.”

        Most buyers on Monday emphasized common-sense safety precautions.

        “I didn't get anything that leaves the ground,” said Richard Hufnagel of College Hill, who drove to the Phantom Fireworks store in Law renceburg. “I'll light 'em on the street, and the kids will sit on the porch.”

        That's the common sense that Nancy Rozzi, secretary treasurer of Rozzi's Fireworks, wants to hear.

        She said Rozzi's doesn't ask people where they'll use their products, adding, “It's your freedom of choice.”

        Rozzi's asks only that customers use fireworks safely, which includes reading directions carefully.

        “Use common sense,” Ms. Rozzi said, as the customer line snaked out the front entrance. “It's a brain, everybody's got one. Use it.”

Tristate's Fourth of July activities
Falmouth man hurt by fireworks

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