How to Stay Safe and Legal in Novi on the Fourth of July 2014

A news release from the city of Novi:

Summer 2014 is upon us and so are the traditions of outdoor gatherings, including the celebration of the nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. While fireworks are commonly used during summer festivities, they can quickly turn celebrations into a tragedy if they aren’t handled properly.

In 2012, the State Legislature passed the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act which was a comprehensive new law that expanded the kind and character of fireworks which may be sold in Michigan. Fireworks now permitted to be sold in Michigan, categorized as consumer fireworks, include roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and the like.

In June 2013, the Michigan legislature passed House Bill 4753, authorizing local communities to adopt regulations on the time of discharge for consumer fireworks, even on the otherwise exempt “national holidays.”

The City of Novi then adopted an updated local ordinance, similar to the state statute, regarding sales and the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks. The ordinance includes the following restrictions:

• It is prohibited in Novi to ignite and discharge consumer fireworks except on the day before, day of, and day after a national holiday between the hours of 8am and midnight, including the Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On New Year’s Day, consumer fireworks may also be discharged between the hours of midnight and 1am.
• The ordinance also prohibits the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks on public property, including streets and rights-of-way, or on school property, church property, City parks, or private property owned by others, without written permission. Fireworks shall not be ignited, discharged, or used by a person under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. A violation of the above is a municipal civil infraction, punishable by a civil fine of not more than $500, plus any costs, damages, and expenses as provided in Section 1-11 of the Code of Ordinances.
• The City's zoning ordinance states that any firework sales must be in conformance with its provisions as far as location and compliance with standards for parking and the like. The zoning ordinance is a land use ordinance that is not specifically aimed at the sale or display of fireworks.

When celebrating with fireworks, it is imperative to do so with safety in mind. Sparklers, a common firework purchased for children, can reach 1,800 Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold. The U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA estimates nearly 11,400 injuries were caused by fireworks in 2013, 7,400 of them were in the month surrounding the fourth of July and two out of five people were under the age of 15. Additionally, a reported 18,000 fires were caused by fireworks in 2011.

The Novi Police and Fire Departments recommend you enjoy fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, please consider the following safety precautions:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. As stated above, sparklers burn at temperatures of approximately 1,800 degrees; hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never use, ignite, or discharge any fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

“The goal of our public safety personnel is to ensure a safe, happy and healthy Fourth of July holiday. We are committed to ensuring all community members celebrate in a safe and responsible fashion” notes David Molloy, Novi’s Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police.

If community members have any questions regarding Novi’s fireworks ordinance, please contact the Novi Police Department at 248.348.7100.

Click here for more information on the Novi Police and Fire Departments.