Daily Press file photo Fireworks tents are set up throughout Delta County ready to sell their products just in time for the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July is this Friday, and folks are ready to light fireworks and celebrate our independence. However, before you celebrate, ensure you do so safely and in accordance with the law.

Fireworks are a beautiful tradition to mark and celebrate holidays, but improper use can be disruptive, illegal and even deadly.

The America Fireworks Standards Laboratory (ASFL) recently released its first annual fireworks injury report for 2024 and found that nearly 15,000 people in the United States visited emergency rooms for firework-related injuries.

According to AFSL, data indicates that 14,741 firework injuries occurred in the U.S. in 2024, along with findings that AFSL says point to concerns about untested and illegal products entering the market.

Of those injuries, 19 resulted in fatalities, with adults 30 years old and up accounting for 42 percent of all injuries.

With local communities ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s good practice to review state and local laws and practice firework safety.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) released a list of dos and don’ts provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for using fireworks safely.

n addition to state law, the public should refer to their local municipality for rules on using fireworks.

In Gladstone and Escanaba, the use of fireworks is permissible from June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. Since July 5 falls on a Saturday this year, fireworks may be used from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from possessing or buying fireworks.

Ignition of fireworks is not allowed on public property, school property, church property, or property of another person without that person or organization’s permission. By the same token, debris from fireworks may not land on public property or property of another without their permission to do so.

Residents are also prohibited from using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or a combination of the two.

Finally, fireworks are only to be used if in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.

Note that fireworks are strictly prohibited should a burn ban be in effect.

Both municipalities are holding residents accountable should they violate the local ordinances.

In Escanaba, fines will be up to $100.

In Gladstone, a violation can result in a fine of $1,000, with $500 remitted to the local responding agency.

“Fourth of July activities are geared toward families, and safety is of the utmost importance during this time. Citizens are asked to review the Fireworks Ordinance No. 1214. Public safety presence will be at Ludington Park,” Escanaba Public Safety Director John Gudwer said.

When using fireworks, always:

– Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

– Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.

– Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.

– Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks.

– Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.

– Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

– Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.

When using fireworks, never:

– Experiment with or make your own fireworks.

– Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

– Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

– Try to re-light duds or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Instead, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

– Point or throw fireworks at other people.

– Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

I