Birmingham, AL 06/29/2018
Be safe and know the law when it comes to fireworks this 4th of July.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office wants you to have a safe and fun holiday celebration. When it comes to fireworks it is recommended that you and your family go to see a show put on by professionals. In the event that you purchase fireworks for yourself, you should know the law and follow these safety tips.
State Law Section 8-17-222 Sale, etc., of fireworks to persons under 16 or intoxicated or irresponsible persons; display of identification by persons purchasing fireworks; acts constituting unlawful explosion or ignition of fireworks.
It shall be unlawful to offer for sale or to sell any fireworks to children under the age of 16 years unless accompanied by an adult or to any intoxicated or irresponsible person. Any person purchasing fireworks shall be required to show a valid driver’s license or state-approved identification card. It shall be unlawful to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, public school, any enclosed building, or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale. No person shall ignite or discharge any permissible articles of fireworks within or throw the same from a motor vehicle while within nor shall any person place or throw any ignited article of fireworks into or at such a motor vehicle, or at or near any person or group of people. (Acts 1981, No.81-409, p. 638, §13; Acts 1987, No. 87-563, p. 876, §6.)
Safety tips;
§ Use fireworks outdoors only.
§ Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
§ Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
§ 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 fireworks shooter.”
§ Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
§ Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the
§ fire or police department in your community.
§ If you live within the city limits check with your local police or mayor’s office about restrictions on fireworks.
§ Gunfire is not considered fireworks. Never discharge a firearm in to the air as part of a celebration. What goes up will come down.
Have a safe July 4th. Enjoy your family and friends and our Nations Birthday. If you drink please do not drive. Call us if you need us.