Celebrate Legally, Safely, and Respectfully

The Indianapolis Fire Department and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department urge all citizens to exercise basic safety precautions when using fireworks.

In Marion County, fireworks may legally be used from June 28 through July 3 from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset. On July 4, the hours of permissible fireworks use is from 10 a.m. to midnight. From July 5 through July 9, the hours of use revert to 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset July 5.

Additionally, fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and may only be used on your own property. If you aren’t lighting on your property, make sure you have permission from the person who lives there.

Other general safety tips include:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Always keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult shooter.”
• Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives — they can kill you!
• Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions
• Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person.

For pet owners, Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) encourages all pet owners to make sure their pets are microchipped ahead of the July 4th holiday which will allow for a quicker reunion if the pet should become lost or run away during fireworks.

Check with your veterinarian or have your pet microchipped by IACS for $10 or the the Humane Society of Indianapolis, for $15. If your pet is already microchipped, now is a good time to verify  the contact information linked to the microchip. To find out which company to contact to check your information, you can visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org and enter the microchip number. If you have lost your pet’s microchip number, any vet clinic can scan your pet for free and provide you with the number.

IACS makes the following recommendations for pet owners during 4th of July fireworks season.

• Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible during this time.
• Ensure that your pet has a comfortable, secure space, and is not left outside unattended.
• If you have an outdoor cat, try to bring it indoors during the evening hours.
• Take your dog for a long walk in the early evenings to help burn off any excess energy—this additional exercise can also help your dog sleep better.
• Thundershirts, chew toys, and the use of background noise, such as TVs, music, fans, and white noise, are popular options that can help to keep pets calm.
• If you do need to leave your pet alone in the evening, consider asking a friend or family member to sit with your pet while you’re out. The simple presence of a human can provide tremendous comfort to a nervous dog or cat.
• If you decide to take your dog around festivities that include fireworks, make sure that your dog has on a collar with appropriate identification and keep them on a leash and close to you at all times.