As July rolls around, Upper Arlington is ramping up for its hallmark Fourth of July celebrations, which include everything from a parade to a park party jam-packed with live music and delectable eats. Yet, with the festivities comes a fiery caution - fireworks safety is not something to be taken lightly, a concern echoed in a recent article on Upper Arlington's official website.
Here's the lowdown, while the State of Ohio may permit some consumer-grade fireworks around the holiday season, Upper Arlington has its own rules. Keeping a tight leash on safety, the city permits only the tamest of firework fare on private property – think sparklers and party poppers. That's it, no exception. According to the City of Upper Arlington's official announcement, these items burn hotter than Hades – upwards of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact – capable of turning a festive night into a fiery nightmare.
Stats paint a grim picture: thousands of injuries, and yes, deaths attributed to fireworks each year, with millions in property losses to boot. Upper Arlington continues to push the envelope on safety, maintaining a ban on sales and usage of most consumer fireworks. Even those sparklers, innocent as they may seem, are banned from public parks – a clear message that the city prefers to keep its trees, grass, and homes uncharred.
Heed this advice: if you're set on adding a sparkle to your celebration, do so responsibly. Keep clear of anything (or anyone) that could go up in flames, and keep a hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. Upper Arlington's official stance is simple – "leave the fireworks to the professionals." For those needing a deeper dive into the dos and don'ts of firework safety, there's a wealth of resources available, including fact sheets and videos from the National Fire Protection Association's website at links provided by the City of Upper Arlington's official communication.
In the spirit of a safe Fourth of July, Upper Arlington extends an invitation to residents and visitors to enjoy the city's offerings, from class reunions to baseball games. There’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve risking life and limb over a brief pyrotechnic thrill. The Upper Arlington Fire Division echoes this sentiment, encouraging a celebration that prioritizes safety first, ensuring that the only things lit this Fourth of July are the grill and the night sky – by professionals, of course.
