Well it looks like the Senate passed the fireworks bill. Now it goes back to the House. Looking good so far, only changes were liability concerns. Just because the bill has only gotten bad press I decided to write something for the local paper (letter to the editor). I'll post the original 500 some odd word one, and the link to the slim 230 some odd words one, once its printed.
I am writing to express my support of HB 1099 and the provisions it provides. This bill is a chance to correct the hypocrisy of the current laws and to provide us with a means of celebration, especially on our countries birthday. HB 1099 has been getting a lot of media attention. Please allow me the opportunity to provide some facts regarding fireworks.
The first and most common argument is that this bill will provide Hoosiers with the legal means to remove a finger, hand, etc. With the CPSCÂs oversight of the pyrotechnics industry, fireworks have become very safe. In fact, a CPSC report states that the total weight of fireworks used in this country has doubled in the last ten year, though the total injuries attributed to fireworks has decreased. According to a report on the American Pyrotechnics Association website (
http://www.americanpyro.com/Safety%20Info/Facts02/irates90-03.pdf) the injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks has decreased from 17.7 per 100,000 lbs in 1990 to 4.4 per 100,000 lbs in 2003. Another argument is fire risk. While fireworks do present a fire risk, the actual numbers do not support hysteria. The American Pyrotechnics Association website has a table outlining the numbers during 1998 (
http://www.americanpyro.com/Safety%20Info/Facts/1997fires.pdf). Of the 656,548 fires reported nationally, only 2,532 fires were attributed to fireworks, that is only 0.3%!
The real risk from fireworks stems from irresponsible use by parents and children. In reality, fireworks present less of a risk to children than writing utensils. A report on the American Pyrotechnics Association website outlines the injury risk for kids 5-14 years old (
http://www.americanpyro.com/Safety%20Info/Facts02/IratesChild.pdf). The results are that the number of emergency room visits per 100,000 children for writing utensils is 35, whereas the number of emergency room visits for fireworks is only 9.Overall legalizing fireworks will help provide sales tax support and with HB 1099Âs 4% public safety fee, fire academies. The risks from fireworks are negligible, and present less of a danger than many common items. This does not mean to mistreat fireworks, because they can cause injuries. Use common sense around fireworks, do not shoot things too big for your yard (if you live in middle of town, stick to fountains and do not use aerial shells). Do not point anything at anyone; this includes bottle rockets and roman candles. Wear safety glass when using any type of fireworks, and do not place any part of your body over the firework. Following these simple safety rules will prevent many of the few injuries consumer class fireworks cause.
