Some things are so synonymous with American festivities, such as barbecues, cookouts, and boozing. But the party is never complete without some fireworks, especially on special days like New Year’s, Labor Day, Independence Day, and different religious celebrations. 

The fun of setting off explosives such as fireworks comes with risks, and the National Safety Council (NSC), advocates for attending fireworks displays where only professionals are involved in creating them for safety reasons. 

But since almost everyone can walk into a store and walk out with fireworks or other celebratory explosives, the National Safety Council highlights some precautionary measures that every person handling fireworks must adhere to for safety reasons. 

Why Safety

Every year, thousands of people suffer personal injuries bad enough to require medical attention because of fireworks and other explosives accidents. 

Where other people are hurt, and you are deemed to be negligent in your handling of the fireworks, you may be held liable for the accident and may have to compensate the individuals for the harm suffered. The last thing you want is to have something that was meant to be fun, resulting in pain and loss, which should make safety your top priority.

Fireworks Sale in Michigan

Fireworks sale and purchase are legal in Michigan, but there are some limitations on who can buy, where you can buy, and when. Only an adult can purchase fireworks, meaning you must produce identification on demand. 

Secondly, you can only purchase it from a licensed and traceable seller to file a personal injury lawsuit should a fault in the fireworks cause an accident. Typically, these sellers will be in tents and at specific times of the year. Also, you can only purchase consumer-grade fireworks.

Fireworks Handling Safety

Firework sales are restricted to adults because they are deemed reasonable enough to handle fireworks with care. So, while your children could also participate in your fireworks display, they should not be the ones handling it. Older children can help but still while under the supervision of an adult. 

Using fireworks while intoxicated is illegal in Michigan and can have you facing criminal penalties such as jail time and fines upon conviction. It is also bad for your safety and that of others, so if you are in charge of setting off fireworks, plan to do it before drinking or have a sober person do it on your behalf. 

Some precautionary measures should be obvious, such as never pointing an explosive at another person when lighting, not using them indoors, not holding them in the hand while igniting, or using them near flammable materials. If you are using it in your backyard, you must ensure that you are careful not to cause harm to your neighbors or their property. 

Lots of fireworks going off at once looks fun, but it is risky for non-professionals, so if you are hosting a DIY fireworks display, let it be one at a time and one person handling the lighting and teeing off in a group. Lastly, safely dispose of leftover pieces and malfunctioning fireworks by soaking them in water for a few hours. 

Compensation for Injuries

Festivities are high-risk days for suffering fireworks-related injuries as a result of another party’s negligence. If you suffered an injury under such circumstances, you have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party so, you may want to work with a Michigan fireworks injury lawyer.