Pennsylvania firework laws and safety tips to keep you and your family safe during the Fourth

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– Official shows and individuals alike will light up the skies with fireworks across Pennsylvania tonight, and officials are urging everyone to follow state laws .

While the holiday is a fantastic time to celebrate independence with family and friends, it’s important to remember Pennsylvania fireworks laws to keep people safe.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission , eight people died and around 9,700 people were treated in ERs for fireworks injuries around the country last year. Teenagers 15 to 19 years old had the highest rate of emergency department-treated wounds, followed by children from five to nine.

Burns were the most common firework-related injuries last year, with most damage happening to the hands and fingers.

Here are some Pennsylvania laws and safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help ensure a safe and joyous Fourth of July.

Pennsylvania firework restrictions:

According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess, and use consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks do not include “ground and hand-held sparkling devices”, “novelties” and “toy caps,” which are permitted at all times throughout the Commonwealth.

• Cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner
• Cannot be directed at another person
• Cannot be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle
• Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks
• Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug
• Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:
  • July 2, 3, 4, and Dec. 31, when they may be used until 1 a.m.
  • If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, they may be used until 1 a.m. immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday.
• The following may take, remove, or cause to be removed all stocks of consumer or display fireworks sold, used, stored, or held in violation of this law:
  • PSP
  • Act 120 certified municipal police officers
  • a sheriff or sheriff’s deputy
  • A member of a Pennsylvania bomb squad accredited by the FBI and certified in hazardous devices training

Check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.

Safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area. Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.