Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed  legislation on Tuesday May 9, 2017 legalizing the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Iowa. Under the new law, Iowans may purchase consumer fireworks beginning June 1, 2017.

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released in February indicated that 65 percent of Iowans are in favor of legal fireworks.

According to the new law, consumer fireworks may be sold in permanent buildings between June 1 and July 8 and beginning again on Dec. 10 through Jan. 3 each year. During the Fourth of July holiday season, consumer fireworks also may be sold in temporary tents and stands beginning June 13 through July 8.

According to Tommy Glasgow, president of TNT Fireworks – the nation’s largest distributor of consumer fireworks and sparklers, TNT will begin selling fireworks in Iowa as of June 1, 2017, in addition to partnering with local nonprofits through its fundraising program.

The new Iowa consumer fireworks law allows for the sale and use of consumer fireworks, including:

"  Aerial Shell Kits and Reloadable Tubes

"  Chasers

"  Helicopter and Arial Spinners

"  Firecrackers

"  Mine and Shell Devices

"  Missile-Type Rockets

"  Roman Candles

"  Sky Rockets and Bottle Rockets

"  Multiple Tube Devices

"  Cone fountains

"  Cylindrical fountains

"  Flitter sparklers

"  Ground and hand-held sparkling devices, including multiple tube ground and hand-held sparkling devices

"  Ground spinners

"  Illuminating torches

"  Toy smoke devices that are not classified as novelties

"  Wheels

"  Wire or dipped sparklers that are not classified as novelties

 

Glasgow recommends using the following safety guidelines from the American Pyrotechnics Association:

"  Always check with your local city and county governments as there may be certain locations or times where consumer fireworks are not permitted

"  Only buy legal fireworks from a licensed seller

"  Read and follow the directions on the labels

"  NEVER give fireworks or sparklers to young children

"  Always have a sober adult in charge

"  Only use consumer fireworks away from homes, buildings and dry grass – on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface, such as concrete, that is free from debris

"  Have a working garden hose and/or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies

"  NEVER carry a firework in your pocket or hold a lit firework in your hand

"  NEVER shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container

"  Keep spectators at a safe distance

"  Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks

"  Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person

"  Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device – even when lighting

"  Light only one firework at a time

"  NEVER approach or try to re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time

"  When finished, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can

"  PROTECT YOUR PETS! Animals are often frightened by the sounds of fireworks. Protect your “best friends” by keeping them indoors, secure and away from the loud, sudden noises

 

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