Fireworks: A Primer For The 4th

Ok folks, here is  the low down on fireworks from our friends at Central Dispatch a message sent out on social media after they began receiving calls Saturday, the first day the new law allows for fireworks  during the 4th of July time span.

“State law allows for fireworks to be set off beginning at 11:00am and ending at 11:45pm each day from now through the 5th of July.”

Given these are indeed the rules let us all be optimistic about a few things.

Like maybe adherence to the time tables. The patience shown at a boomer going off at 11;45pm  is likely to be considerably diminished by the same sound at 2:30 am followed by a drunken yell.
It is also hoped that a little moderation might be in order with consideration given to our local veterans who might not find sudden loud noises desirable and pet owners whose charges endure panic attacks throughout the days (particularly via bottle rockets those annoying whistlers that usually take off with little guidance as to where they might be headed).

Now of course, by the same token it would be nice if those who might despise the whole fireworks thing could amp up the tolerance during this time frame and ride out the allocated times with some good humor. It may not parallel with your idea of fun but many enjoy it and it’s only a handful of days a year.

​Thus far locally we know of three public fireworks events with Fremont leading the way on Wednesday with an over the lake display,  Hesperia shooting them off downtown on the celebrated 4th as part of their Family Fun Fest and the Croton Causeway wrapping it up on Saturday the 6th with a show serving as the Freedom Fest finale.

If you are aware of more let us know and we’ll help get the word out.

Here are a few safety tips and remember as you peruse them that the reason they are here, regardless of how ludicrous the guidelines  might sound, is because multiple people do not follow them year after year.
Yes, even number 4.
Think about it.

1.   Point fireworks away from homes and keep them away from brush, grass and leaves.
2.   Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. If older children are playing with fireworks, always have adult supervision.
3.   Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt gold. Always place sparklers in a bucket of water when they have gone out; when thrown on the ground, sparklers can cause grass fires.
4.   Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
5.   Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
6.  Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
7.   Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
8.    Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
9.    After fireworks complete their burning, douse it with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
10. Chinese lanterns can stay airborne for 20 minutes and reach heights up to 1 mile high before coming down in unplanned locations. The open flame has the potential to start fires.

"I think Michigan keeps you sane and on an even keel through the ups and downs. In Michigan, I do fireworks, shovel snow and live life.”- Jeff Daniels