Insurance may not cover firework damage and other holiday safety tips

Jul. 2—Homeowners insurance may not cover fireworks damage

The Indiana Department of Insurance is warning Hoosier homeowners and renters that accidental damage caused by fireworks that are banned in their counties may not be covered by their homeowners or renters insurance policies.

Many insurance policies contain provisions disclaiming coverage for illegal acts committed by the insured.

However, consumers who experience property damage due to another person's use of fireworks may be able to claim benefits under their homeowners or renters policy.

In 2019, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Annual Fireworks Report, fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36 percent of the estimated fireworks-related injuries.

The following are Indiana's firework laws, but many towns and cities have additional ordinances:

—Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older.

—Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the fireworks' use or a location designated specifically for use of consumer fireworks.

—Consumer fireworks may be used only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on most days that are not holidays.

—On holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and New Year's Eve), fireworks may be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:

—June 29 to July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

—July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight

—July 5 to July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

—Dec. 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The Red Cross has released safety tips for using fireworks and for other holiday activities.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals, according to the Red Cross. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

If you are setting fireworks off at home:

—Never give fireworks to small children.

—Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

—Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

—Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

—Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."

—Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

Picnic safety

—Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs and out of the sun.

—Wash your hands before preparing the food.

If you are going to grill:

—Always supervise when in use.

—Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

—Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

—Never grill indoors.

—Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.

—Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

Heat safety

Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

Check on animals frequently to ensure that they're not suffering from heat and that they have plenty of cool water and shade.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Dark colors absorb the sun's rays.

Check on family, friends and neighbors who have no air conditioning, who spend much time alone or who are more likely to be affected by heat.

If someone doesn't have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.

Reach James D. Wolf Jr. at [email protected] or 574-732-5117

Twitter @JamesDWolfJr

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