Fireworks are synonymous with the celebration of Independence Day. Whether your apartment community is inside city limits or in an unincorporated part of the county, it’s important to understand firework safety and regulations when planning Fourth of July activities at your community.
Most municipalities within the Houston-area do not allow the use of personal fireworks per various ordinances. These municipalities can include Houston, Tomball, Pasadena, Pearland, Jersey Village, and Sugar Land. Though with the large swaths of unincorporated Harris County, there are opportunities to buy and use personal fireworks with a few state-level exceptions to keep in mind. Failure to comply with these laws can result in hefty fines ranging from $500-$2,000.
Exceptions include:
· Ignition of fireworks within 600 feet of any church, school or hospital.
· Ignition of fireworks within 100 feet of where fireworks or flammable liquid, like gasoline, is sold.
· Ignition of fireworks in or from a motor vehicle.
If you do plan to allow or host a small firework display at your apartment communities, it’s important to be vigilant in keeping everyone safe. Even sparklers, which have a reputation for being child-friendly, can cause permanent injuries when used incorrectly as they burn hot enough to melt certain metals.
Here are some more tips for fireworks safety:
· Make sure you understand the laws in your area before buying or using fireworks.
· Never allow children to ignite fireworks.
· Never attempt to relight fireworks that were not fully ignited.
· Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close by in case of a fire.
· Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
· Light fireworks one at a time.
By keeping the legal and safety aspects in mind this Fourth of July, you can ensure a great, safe time to celebrate our country’s independence.
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