City Stresses Safety First This Fourth of July

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2009

For more information, please contact:
Beverly Calender-Anderson, Safe and Civil City Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3560, andersb@bloomington.in.gov
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov






Bloomington, IN - As residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, the City of Bloomington urges the community to use extreme caution when operating fireworks, as improper use can lead to severe injury or death.

Here are some important safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Only use fireworks outdoors
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks (Chapter 14.09.040 in the City of Bloomington Municipal Code, which can be found at http://bloomington.in.gov/municipalcode)
• Children under age 16 should only use fireworks with ADULT supervision
• Always have a bucket of water or water hose nearby
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix!
• Parents should pay special attention to children using sparklers. Sparklers reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Children should not touch the lit portion of sparklers, throw them or play games with them.

Residents also should be aware that the use of fireworks within city limits may violate the City's noise ordinance. The ordinance specifically designates certain dates and times during which the detonation of fireworks does not constitute a violation of this ordinance. Fireworks are exempt from the noise ordinance from June 29 through July 9 after 5pm, and are permitted up to two hours after sunset. On July 4, fireworks are permitted between the hours of 10am and midnight.

For more information on the noise ordinance regulations, please contact Beverly Calender-Anderson, Safe and Civil City Director, at 349-3560 or andersb@bloomington.in.gov.

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