This Fourth of July, West Virginians will again be able to buy bigger fireworks thanks to legislation passed in June 2016 allowing for the sale of consumer fireworks, like Roman candles and bottle rockets.
These fireworks are ranked as Division 1.3 explosives, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, sitting just a step below the Division 1.4 explosives Charlestonians see fired over the Kanawha River at Live on the Levee or at Power Park after a West Virginia Power baseball game.
Last year was the first year citizens could buy these types of fireworks, and according to reports after Independence Day, law enforcement in the area did not respond to any safety concerns regarding the celebrations, but they did respond to dozens of noise complaints.
Just because there aren't many reports though, doesn't mean accidents don't happen, said Sgt. Rob Henderson of the Charleston Police Department.
"You hear about it every year, and it happens everywhere," Henderson said. "Someone tries to light a bottle rocket off while holding it and loses or severely injures their hand, or something else. We don't want that."
The West Virginia Fire Marshal released guidelines for safe fireworks usage before 4th of July, including tips like using cement cylinders to stabilize and prop fireworks, only lighting fireworks on hard, flat services away from the home and any brush, never letting children light fireworks by themselves and having a bucket of water nearby in case of an accident.
"All you need to do is search YouTube to see how fireworks can go wrong," said Sgt. Brian Humphreys of the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department. "As far as the sheriff's department is concerned, we just want you to have a good time, but follow the law. Don't set something on fire through negligence. Be aware of what you bought and the environment around you."
According to state fireworks regulations, Henderson said individuals under 18 years old cannot light off fireworks without direct adult supervision, and no one lighting off fireworks can be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Those who choose to light off fireworks have 24 hours after the fact to pick up any debris, and they are responsible for paying for any damage caused, like scratches on cars, or scorched porches, for instance.
When disposing of the fireworks - which can also present a safety risk - the state fire marshal says to let fireworks sit for at least 15 minutes before trying to pick them up, as even if they aren't smoldering they can still be hot enough to burn. Be sure to douse s used fireworks in water before picking them up, and before throwing them in the trash to avoid the risk of starting a fire.
"The worst case scenario here if something goes wrong is a loss of life. But hurting someone, setting your car or house on fire - none of these are desirable outcomes, but they are all possible outcomes," Humphreys said. "Don't forget you're celebrating with people you care about - your family and children. They may be the ones who end up bearing the risk."
In Kanawha County, there is no noise ordinance. Instead incorporated towns and cities within county limits - like Charleston and Dunbar - set their own ordinances. Humphreys urged everyone to check with their local fire departments and police stations for specific rules or procedures they should be following.
Charleston has specific guidelines set for fireworks on certain holidays, like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day, Henderson said. According to the law, residents can set off fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on these days, which lines up with the city's noise ordinances, as well.
"Be aware of where you live, try to be a good neighbor," Humphreys said. "You don't have to break a law to break a relationship."
Other tips from the West Virginia Fire Marshal include:
n Never hold fireworks as you light it
n Have the numbers for emergency services easily accessible in case of emergency
n Have a fire escape plan in place for your home and family
n Wear eye protection while watching and lighting fireworks
n Keep pets and animals away from the fireworks to avoid panic
n Only light one fireworks at a time
For more information, read the West Virginia Fire Marshal's July fire prevention guide at http://firemarshal.wv.gov.
Reach Caity Coyne at caitlin.coyne@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5119 or follow @caitycoyne on Twitter.