Independence Day Reminders: Fireworks Usage; City Municipal Offices Schedule; Curbside Services Continue Without Delay
UPDATED 7/2/2020: ***Please note: The date range fireworks are permitted for the Independence Day holiday have been updated to reflect the State of Michigan law.
Archived News Release: June 29, 2020 - City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday July 3. Safety services and water utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules. Curbside trash, compost and recycling services will continue as scheduled, and will not be impacted.
Fireworks
There are important reminders to heed for those planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks. While the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act broadens the selection of fireworks available for home/amateur use statewide, it is important to know, there are still usage parameters per City of Ann Arbor ordinance (Section 9:266 of Chapter 115 Weapons and Explosives of Title IX).
Fireworks usage is permitted only during certain timeframes and only around national holidays. The timeframe guidelines for the *2020 Independence Day holiday are:
Use is prohibited prior to June 29 and after July 4.
*Please also note: Use is only permitted from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3 and 4, with the following restrictions:
Use without permission is always prohibited on public property, including not only parks but also school property, as well as church/place of worship property and the property of another person unless the person using the fireworks has the expressed permission of the property owner.
Use is always prohibited for persons under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
If the region is experiencing a dry spell, find out whether additional fireworks precautions or even restrictions are in place.
Please be mindful of sensitivities of other residents, pets and neighbors. Veterans and military-support organizations emphasize that fireworks can be particularly troublesome for military and veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you choose to use fireworks, please adhere to the ordinance, but please also use common courtesies, such as:
Informing neighbors in advance of your fireworks plans.
Limiting the frequency of your use during those acceptable usage hours.
Cleaning up all debris resulting from your fireworks use (see disposal tips below).
For those who choose to use fireworks on their own, please note the following safety guidelines from Ann Arbor police and fire departments:
- Keep a source of water available nearby. A connected hose is best, but a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher are alternatives.
- Light fireworks on a paved surface such as concrete or asphalt. If a hard surface is not available, select a dirt area without grass or vegetation. Keep fireworks away from any wooded or grassy areas.
- Wet down an ignition area at least 30 feet in diameter for ground fireworks. That way if sparks do hit the ground, the chance of a spark igniting a fire will be minimal.
- Keep an eye out for smoldering fires in the grass or shrubs for 30 minutes after the display is completed. If in doubt, call 911.
- After a fireworks display, never pick up fireworks right away that may be left over, as they may still be active. Fully soak used/dud fireworks in water, and dispose of in the trash, not in recycling.
- The risk of fireworks injury is more than twice as high for children ages 10–14 as for the general population. Children should never participate in setting off fireworks, and they should remain a safe distance away from where fireworks are being set off.
- Sparklers may seem harmless, but the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
- A person is legally responsible for any fire started or damage caused by fireworks they ignite.
Media Contact Information
Robert Kellar
Communications Unit Manager
734.794.6000 ext. 41524
[email protected]
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