HANCOCK COUNTY — Fourth of July fireworks displays are always a part of the annual Independence Day celebration. This year’s big day falls on a Monday. With the long weekend ahead, officials say county residents can expect to see fireworks over the next several nights.
While fireworks are considered the highlight of the festivities for most, area officials want everyone to follow the laws and to be mindful there are some groups such as veterans and animals who find fireworks disturbing.
Unincorporated Hancock County does not have an ordinances concerning fireworks. Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say they follow state law. In Indiana, residents are allowed to set fireworks off until 11 p.m. any day of the week. On the Fourth of July they can let fireworks fly until midnight.
“Generally, we only enforce complaints if people are lighting off fireworks in an unsafe manner, landing on someone else’s property, which could create a risk of catching something on fire, or are otherwise unsafe,” HCSD public safety information officer Capt. Robert Harris said.
If people are letting off fireworks on the streets, something they are not supposed to do, and county officials receive a complaint, HCSD deputies will respond. Officers will ask people to stop and stay out of the street as it can create a hazard.
“We ask that everyone celebrate the holiday in a safe manner,” Harris said.
Harris noted that typically on the Fourth of July there is alcohol involved in celebrations, and officials want to remind people to always have someone who’s not under the influence of alcohol or drugs igniting the fireworks and providing supervision.
Deputy Chief Chuck McMichael, public information officer for the Greenfield Police Department, said Greenfield does have an ordinance for consumer fireworks. In the summertime, the ordinance limits the use of fireworks inside the corporate limits from June 29 through July 9 from 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset, except for July 4. On Monday, July 4 fireworks may be used from 10 a.m. through midnight.
Anyone caught using them outside of those days is subject to a fine of $100.
“Every year we get dozens, if not hundreds, of calls relating to fireworks complaints,” McMichael said. “Most of these complaints are related to the times they are being used, mainly late at night.”
McMichael said if people would be respectful of their neighbors, these issues wouldn’t exist. It’s also important for people to understand the state and local laws.
“You cannot just go into an empty lot or field close to you and light fireworks,” McMichael said. “You also cannot light fireworks in the street.”
McMichael reiterated the message of mixing alcohol and fireworks.
“We all know that alcohol consumption lowers a persons inhibitions,” McMichael said. “We have all heard that one person in your group that’s had a little to much to drink — ‘hey y’all, watch this,’ — alcohol and fireworks do not mix.”
State law indicates only people 18 and older can buy fireworks, and they can only be used on personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks or a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks.
Officials want to remind county residents that fireworks can cause serious distress to animals including livestock. Not only do animals suffer psychologically, but also physically as many attempt to run away from or hide from the loud booms of fireworks. Animal owners are asked to not bring their dogs to a firework display and to bring all animals inside if able during the celebration.
Officials also say be considerate of veterans in your area as many combat veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder can have issues with the noise of fireworks. Loud booms can elicit a reaction from them because it reminds them of bombs, guns and other explosives.
According to patient.info, if you live near a veteran and are going to set off fireworks, to consider using low-noise fireworks, give your neighbors notice in advance or just go to a professional display or an organized event in your community to keep fireworks away from residential areas.
Officials say the safest way to enjoy the Fourth of July is to let professionals shoot off the fireworks. Locally, there is a free fireworks show set to go off at dusk from the Greenfield-Central Junior High field. People may park at the school or a nearby street to enjoy the show safely.
