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CHANGES TO INDIANA FIREWORKS LAW AFFECT SOUTH BEND RESIDENTS
<br /> The South Bend Fire and Police Departments encourage residents to enjoy fireworks in
<br /> the safest possible way this holiday season. "For everyone's safety, we recommend enjoying
<br /> &11 — fireworks presented by trained professionals," said Fire Chief Luther Taylor. "However, if
<br /> residents wish to purchase fireworks for private use, we urge them to abide by the new
<br /> State Fireworks Law, and use fireworks responsibly and with appropriate safety
<br /> loon precautions."
<br /> The new State Law governing the use and sale of fireworks in Indiana is now in
<br /> effect, and the following changes apply to South Bend residents:
<br /> Only adults age 18 and older are allowed to purchase fireworks, for use in Indiana.
<br /> Private fireworks may be set off ONLY on the user's property, the property of someone who has consented to the use of
<br /> fireworks, or at a special discharge location designated by the State Fire Marshal. Fireworks may not be discharged on
<br /> public property, such as in streets or parks, without special permits issued by the State Fire Marshal and local Fire Chief.
<br /> Fireworks may be used ONLY between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., with the exception of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor
<br /> Day, and New Year's Eve, when hours are extended to midnight.
<br /> Violations of the new law can result in fines and criminal charges_
<br /> While the new law does allow a greater variety of fireworks to be purchased by residents for private use, these new
<br /> options also greatly increase the opportunities for accidents and injuries. "In 2004, 52%of all fireworks-related injuries in
<br /> Indiana involved children and adolescents. They represent only a quarter of Indiana's population so this is a concern. These
<br /> injuries most frequently were bums to the hands caused by sparklers," said Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon. He
<br /> further noted that of all the injuries in 2004, 25%required either hospital admission or specialized care for burns or eye
<br /> injuries. One in five of those injuries involved the eyes,with 88%of those injuries due to not using any eye protection.
<br /> "Fireworks injuries are often severe," he added.
<br /> IMPORTANTSAFETYPROCEDURES:
<br /> If you choose to set off private fireworks on your property, instead of or in addition to attending a professional fireworks
<br /> event, please abide closely by the following safety procedures, for your safety, as well as that of your loved ones, neighbors
<br /> and the community.
<br /> • Make sure to have a responsible adult supervise all fireworks activities.Do not let children play with or fight any
<br /> fireworks without an adult present.
<br /> • Use fireworks in an open area away from buildings or combustible materials_ Keep your audience a safe distance away
<br /> from the shooting site.
<br /> • Safety glasses should be used by those lighting the fireworks or anyone in close proximity to the
<br /> fireworks.
<br /> Have a hose, bucket of water or water supply, or afire extinguisher nearby and pay attention to ✓�
<br /> the wind direction.
<br /> Further information regarding Indiana's new Fireworks Law is available on the South Bend Fire
<br /> Department's website, at www.southbendin. og v/city/departments/fire/index.asp, or by calling 235-
<br /> 9255. With your help, we can avoid the often disastrous accidents and injuries caused by the
<br /> careless use of fireworks. Help us make this a safe Independence Day holiday!
<br /> LEARN ABOUT TOUCHDOWN TUESDAYS
<br /> LOCAL GOVERNMENT As part of its efforts to connect with the South Bend
<br /> South Bend's FREE Local community,the College Football Hall of Fame is offering free
<br /> Government Academy is your chance admission to South Bend residents every Tuesday!
<br /> to learn about the City, from the The promotion, called "Touchdown Tuesdays" also
<br /> inside out. The Academy meets from features extended hours, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (during special events,
<br /> 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday extended hours are subject to change). Proof of residency will be required for free
<br /> evenings, for ten weeks. The fast admission.
<br /> session begins on August 30, and General admission to College SIUSTEDNOENTIENDEINGLESY
<br /> registration is required. For more Football Hall of Fame is normally$11. NECESITAAYUDAPARATRADUCIR
<br /> information, or to register, please call For more information on admission ESTE DOCUMENTO, O SI TIENE
<br /> the Mayor's Office at 235-9261, or prices, hours of operation, or event ALGUNAPREGUNTA,PORFAVOR
<br /> visit www.southbendin.gov/city/ listings,please contact the Hall of Fame LLAME AL SR. FEDERICO THON
<br /> departments/legal/local government at 574-235-9999 or visit (ASISTENTE DEL ALCALDE) AL
<br /> academy.asp. www.collegefootball.org. TELEFONO(574)235-5858X1000.
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