The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians has joined forces with Prevent Blindness Ohio and the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in co-signing a letter to Governor Mike DeWine opposing efforts to legalize the discharge of consumer fireworks in Ohio. The OAFP, as a longtime member of the Ohio Fireworks Safety Coalition, believes such legalization would pose a serious risk to the health and safety of all Ohioans.
The letter states: “Simply stated, legalization of consumer fireworks discharge will lead to more injuries and more serious injuries. Legalization of fireworks correlates with increases in fireworks-related injuries. A statewide prohibition sends a strong message that fireworks discharge is a dangerous activity and should be avoided. If Ohioans want to see fireworks and celebrate our nation’s independence, they should do so at a professional display.”
In addition, fireworks discharge poses additional risk to veterans who suffer from PTSD, animals and livestock who are easily frightened by noise, and damage resulting from fires started by negligent discharge of consumer fireworks.”
- Extending the Moratorium on New Fireworks Permits: The current moratorium on fireworks permits expires on Tuesday, December 31. Historically, this moratorium has been extended in the state operating budget. We support a multi-year extension of the moratorium in the state budget proposal. Without the moratorium expiration, there will be no urgent need for Ohio’s fireworks laws to be revised.
- Opposing Legislation that Legalizes Discharge of Consumer Fireworks: The introduction of legislation to legalize discharge of consumer fireworks in Ohio is anticipated. The Fireworks Safety Coalition has fought off past attempts to legalize fireworks, including securing a veto from Gov. Voinovich in 1997. A strong message of opposition and a veto threat from the DeWine administration would go a long way toward halting this harmful legislation.
Many proponents of legalization argue that we should allow fireworks discharge because “everyone already does it.” This is an incredibly dangerous argument. While some Ohioans choose to disregard the prohibition on fireworks discharge, the same can be said for speed limits, distracted driving, and other dangerous actions. No member of the Ohio General Assembly would support a bill that eliminated speed limits or DUI laws because some individuals currently choose to drive fast or drive drunk.