NEW OHIO FIREWORKS LAW

Bang! Pop-pop-pop! Crackle snap! Fizz! Ka-pow!

Firework celebrations are as American as apple pie, but party people ought to know that patriotic pyrotechnic shows are best enjoyed when setting the night sky aglow is left up to the pros.

Data compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) illuminate the very real threat posed to life and property by backyard fireworks displays and related tomfoolery. Fireworks in the United States account for 18,500 fires on average each year and about 9,000 visits to the emergency room.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports that beginning July 1, 2022, Ohioans can discharge consumer grade fireworks within the State, either on their own property or on another person’s property (with permission), on days designated by the Ohio Legislature, with some exceptions.

Days for consumer grade fireworks in Ohio are:

•New Year’s Eve and Day

•Chinese New Year

•Cinco de Mayo

•Memorial Day weekend

•Juneteenth

•July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays preceding and following

•Labor Day weekend

•Diwali

Fireworks hobbyists are limited to consumer grade (1.4G) firework or a commercial grade (1.3G) firework and may only possess a total of 5 pounds of material at any one time.

Only fireworks purchased from licensed sales locations throughout Ohio may be discharged in the State. Retailers must offer safety glasses and safety pamphlets. And, the law prohibits use of fireworks by anyone under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, beer or controlled substance.

Safe Fireworks?

Regardless of the rules and regulations where you live, West Chester Fire & EMS professionals disapprove of home fireworks. Residents who ultimately choose to light fireworks are asked to review the West Chester Fire Department safety checklist before celebrating.

•Don’t use fireworks if under the influence or in possession of illicit drugs and alcohol. It’s against the law.

•Don’t hold a lit firework or try to reignite a misfire. Never light fireworks indoors or near people, houses, and flammable material.

•Don’t discharge fireworks on days that fall outside the schedule of approved holidays designated by the Ohio Legislature.

•Do take every precaution to limit harm and risk. Wear safety glasses, read warning labels, keep children away, and have water nearby to fully extinguish spent fireworks before discarding.

•Do refer to the Ohio Fireworks Redbook provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, for answers to fireworks questions and concerns.

•Do save contact information for West Chester Fire & EMS in your phone. Call 911 in an emergency or dial 513-777-1133 for nonemergencies.

For more information from the West Chester Fire Department, visit www.westchesteroh.org/fire.

West Chester Police Host Citizen Police Academy

The West Chester Township Citizen Police Academy has given hundreds of West Chester residents the opportunity to get a closer look at local law enforcement since its 2010 beginnings.

The next Citizen Police Academy begins Sept. 6 and continues for 10 consecutive Wednesdays until Nov. 8. Applications are now being accepted at www. westchesteroh.org/police.

Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the Police Department. Participants learn firsthand about police operations with the goal of fostering better harmony between police and the public.

“I learned that work of law enforcement is more difficult than I imagined and I walked away knowing the great respect West Chester officers have for the community and all they do to build community relationships,” said Jackie Patrick, president of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

Citizen Police Academy curriculum covers: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants tour the Township jail and forensics lab; experience a SWAT training exercise and shoot at the West Chester Township/ Butler County Sheriff’s Joint Firing Range.

“We’re so very fortunate in all the ways our community supports our agency,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “The Citizen Police Academy is another platform for us to connect with residents and demonstrate how we value that support and the trust they place in us.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Non-resident applicants will be considered, but West Chester residents and those who work in West Chester have priority.

Graduates of past programs have included retirees, business leaders, members of the faith community, and elected officials.

Those who complete the program are encouraged to become part of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, supporting outreach programs like the Drug Take Back Day, Touch-a-Truck and other programs.