Carmel Fire Dept. Public Information Officer Tim Griffin wishes everyone would view public displays for their fireworks fix.
However, Griffin said he knows with several cities or towns not holding fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, there will likely be more people setting off fireworks at home.
“Fortunately in Carmel there are going to be three different shows, so hopefully people can see those where they live,” Griffin said.
The city of Carmel will have three simultaneous shows at 9:45 p.m July 4 from West Park, 2700 W. 116th St., Chase Court, a cul-de-sac off of Carmel Drive, and Badger Field, 5459 E. Main St.
Legal consumer fireworks can be shot off between the hours of 5 p.m. to midnight June 29 to July 9. They are permitted to be used from 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.
Griffin said only adults should be shoot fireworks.
“Take alcohol out of the mix because that spells disaster,” Griffin said. “You need to wear eye and hand protection and have a water source nearby.”
Naturally, Griffin said CFD would prefer no one set off home fireworks. For those that do, Griffin said several fireworks stores have videos showing what each firework does.
“Research what the fireworks do so there are no surprises,” he said. “The firework that causes the most injuries every year is the sparkler. You can set those down and they can still be hot for several minutes afterward and small children can step on them.”
Griffin said children often handle sparklers because they are perceived to be safe, but they can burn themselves or others.
“Something that is a great alternative is glow sticks,” he said. “They can write things in the air just like a sparkler, but it’s going to be safe. Another thing that is safer are the snap-its or poppers you throw down on the ground.”
Another concern, Griffin said, is fireworks starting a fire if they land in mulch piles or dried grass.
For more, visit carmel.in.gov/department-services/fire/safety-resources-and-recall-notices/fireworks-rules-and-fire-safety-in-carmel.
