MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The busiest weekend of summer is upon us and nothing goes together like hot dogs and fireworks. As social distancing protocols continue, more residents are looking at bringing the firework show to their own backyard.

An increase in firework purchases can lead to an increase in injuries if not used properly. Meridian Fire Inspector Tavis Millerov advises people to be cautious if choosing to use fireworks this weekend.

“I’ve got the greatest tip for you, just don’t do it,” said Millerov.

Consumer fireworks must be used on the resident’s property and cannot be used under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“You’re not allowed to do it anywhere other than your own property,” Millerov said. “Anything that violates the fireworks laws are pretty hefty fines and they start at a thousand dollars.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), in 2018, 70% of firework-related injuries happened around the 4th of July. In addition, an average of 18,500 fires are started each year from fireworks.

“I can tell you we’re going to be bone-dry by the Fourth,” said Millerov. “We are really going to be looking at some fire potential with fireworks this year.”

Weather plays a big factor in firework safety. High winds and a lack of precipitation can increase the risk of fire. This weekend will be no different with temperatures reaching the 90s.

“Make sure you are checking wind conditions because once this thing launches, it’s at the mercy of the wind,” said Millerov. “You always have that potential for a fallout to ignite something on fire.”

The National Safety Council (NSC) advises people to wear protective eyewear when setting up and keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks when finished.

Millerov’s number one tip is to leave the firework remains in a bucket for at least a couple of days.

“We had a very large house burn down last year on July 5th and that was because of discarded fireworks,” said Millerov. “About a 4,000 square foot house reduced to rubble.”

Sparklers are another Fourth of July staple to be cautious of. They can quickly catch fire on clothing and take a dangerous turn when dropped, causing severe burns on a child’s foot.

“All it is is a fancy welding rod,” said Millerov.

The presence of children is another factor to consider when using legal or low-impact fireworks. Young children should steer clear of fireworks and older children should only use them under close adult supervision.

“I remember as a kid, I was grabbing a sparkler out of the ground,” said Millerov. “My fingertips ran up the sparkler until it got to the last spot that was on fire and I got a nice couple of blisters out of it from burning my fingertips.”

Safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or streamers will have similar effects when used without the risk of severe burns.

As a reminder, the use of sky lanterns is not permitted.

“You’re taking a fuel package and launching it in the air with no idea where it’s going to come down,” said Millerov.

Fireworks may be used between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. between June 29 to July 4, according to the Meridian Township Code of Ordinances.