Stay Safe And Follow The Rules For Fireworks in Iowa

The Fourth of July is coming up, and aside from dressing up in your best red, white, and blue and engaging in some great burgers and hot dogs, the best thing about America’s predominant holiday is the fireworks. Even if you’re in a state where you can’t buy the pretty bombs, it’s become easier than ever to drive across a state border and stock up.
Because of the fact that fireworks are basically bombs, there are a lot of regulations that you have to follow to have a safe and fun fourth.

Don’t Break The Rules

In the great state of Iowa, commercial fireworks are legal to purchase and own. You may have noticed the seasonal firework stores popping up in your communities in the last decade or so. However, just because they are legal, doesn’t mean you can blow them up with impunity.

Each city, town, and county has their own specific rules about when and what you can do, so be sure to check your local laws. Here are some of the most important laws that apply statewide.

You can only use your fireworks between June 1st and July 8th then again between December 10th and January 3rd. Any other date means your running the risk of a ticket.

The state of Iowa mandates that fireworks can only be used between 9am and 10pm (a select few weekends will let you go until 11pm), but this is a law that varies widely by community with some being stricter than others.
You’re only allowed to use the fireworks on land that is owned by you and/or you have direct consent from the owner of the land. This means forget about going to your local park or cornfield to get the best views.

Stay Safe

The National Safety Council has put together a great list of warnings and precautions that can make sure you have the safest holliday possible. The tips range from fairly obvious to things you wish you would’ve thought of, but here are some highlights.

• Never let young children handle fireworks.
• Fireworks should never be used while under the influence of alcohol.
• Light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks for a couple hours before discarding.

Be Courteous

Remember that not everyone enjoys the fireworks, especially our neighbors who served our country and are suffering the consequences of their sacrifice. If you plan on shooting off some fireworks this season, check around your neighborhood to make sure that your fun won’t come at the expense of someone else.

Have a fun (and safe) Fourth of July!