HANCOCK COUNTY — Officials are reminding county residents to use caution when setting off fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July.
Fireworks should not be lit during strong wind conditions, and those using the fireworks should always have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security says.
Never attempt to relight fireworks.
Aiming, pointing or throwing fireworks at another person could result in injury, and audiences to the light displays should keep a safe distance from the shooting site.
In Indiana, fireworks may use bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers and other consumer fireworks from 9 a.m. and midnight on the Fourth of July (as well as on Memorial Day, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve); throughout the year, the hours allotted are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Residents must be at 18 or older to purchase fireworks. Children may use them only in the presence of an adult, although officials said children should not play with or light fireworks.