About this Event
When you walk into the store to buy fireworks, you may be looking for the biggest, loudest and most colorful fireworks you can find, but IDHS encourages Hoosiers to make sure you only buy fireworks that are legal for consumers.
The most common fireworks are consumer fireworks (1.4g fireworks), which are small devices and what you will typically find sold at retail fireworks stores. The other kind of fireworks, called display fireworks (1.3g fireworks), are not legal without state and federal permits. These are more powerful fireworks meant for large displays or shows, and they are banned in many states.
In Indiana, display fireworks can only be transported or received by those who have the valid permitting, and they must be stored in a special type of container meant for explosives. Makers of display fireworks are required to have a license to do so, but many are made illegally and can be poorly made. These fireworks can cause injury or death when ignited, either accidentally or intentionally. They often look the same as those meant for consumers, but here are indicators that a firework may be illegal for consumers:
If you recognize any of these signs, do not purchase them. Report the seller to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at 1-888-283-2662.
Note: Cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s or silver salutes, M-250s, M-1000s or quarter sticks are illegal and should also be reported to law enforcement.
After you buy the right fireworks, you need to make sure you take proper safety precautions and adhere to state and local laws about when and where you can set them off. Read the special edition of the Get Prepared newsletter to learn all about these important tips and reminders!
