As the Fourth of July approaches, the cities of South Bend, Mishawaka and unincorporated areas in St. Joseph County all remind residents of the current ordinances about when fireworks can be used.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July for people in all areas can be done from 10 a.m. to midnight. All governing bodies also have determined that people can use fireworks on the five days leading up to the Fourth -- June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2 and 3 -- and the five days after the Fourth, on July 5-9.

The pre- and post-Fourth times for fireworks are from 5 to 11 p.m. in South Bend, 5 to 11:30 p.m. in St. Joseph County and from 5 p.m. until two hours after dusk in Mishawaka.

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Setting off fireworks in public parks is prohibited and must take place on private property.

The cities also inpose fines on a graduated scale for violations of the fireworks ordinances.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths in 2022, mostly associated with mortar-style devices. Five of those deaths were associated with fireworks misuse, with victims ranging from 11 to 43 years of age.

Also, an estimated 10,200 people suffered fireworks-related injuries in 2022, with three in four coming in the month that surrounded the Fourth holiday in 2022.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security lists these safety tips on its website:

Fireworks are combustible or explosive devices, and they should be handled cautiously. Sparklers, for example,burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can melt some metals, not to mention burn skin. Alwaysremember the following safety tips when interacting with fireworks:

■ Light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a "dud" firework.

■ Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.

■ Do not allow young children to use fireworks, and only let older children handle them under close adultsupervision.

■ Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

■ Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.

■ Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands, and do not point or throw fireworks at others.

■ Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowingsmoke and debris away from them.

■ If you do not have a permit, buy only consumer-grade fireworks (1.4g fireworks).

■ Always have a supply of water or a fire extinguisher available to put out fireworks. Douse spentfireworks with water before throwing them away.

■ Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands.

■ Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

■ After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to preventstarting a trash fire.

■ Keep pets indoors, away from fireworks. Set up an area away from windows where they cannot see orhear fireworks, as many pets are terrified of them. Consider buying medication from a veterinarian aheadof time to calm pets.

Email Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at [email protected].