PERSONAL SAFETY & CRIME PREVENTION - Seasonal Safety

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Summer

Fall

Holiday

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Summer: Fireworks

Fireworks

The City of Westlake hosts an annual fireworks celebration on the Fourth of July. Even though there are a host of regulated fireworks displays in our area, some residents still elect to set off their own fireworks displays, which can be dangerous—and even illegal.

 

Ohio residents are permitted to purchase and use select types of fireworks. Following are specifics regarding fireworks purchase (and use), as taken from the Ohio State Bar Association website:

Ohio law regulates all types and uses of fireworks in Ohio. The law gives the State Fire Marshal statewide authority over the exhibition, sale, possession, usage, and storage of all fireworks in Ohio. According to the law, a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler can sell “1.4g” fireworks to consumers on a year-round basis. However, consumers who buy fireworks may not discharge them in Ohio. In fact, nonresident purchasers must take the items out of the state within 72 hours of purchase, and Ohio residents who buy 1.4g products must take the fireworks out of the state within 48 hours. Anyone who buys 1.4g fireworks must sign a form agreeing to obey the law and take the purchased items out of state within the required time frame.

 

In Ohio, fireworks are divided into four primary categories:

• “1.3g” items – typically the large fireworks you see at a display on the 4th of July;
• “1.4g” items – commonly known as firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets;
• “1.4s” items – most often associated with indoor pyrotechnics such as a flash pot at a concert; and
• “novelties and trick noisemakers” and “wire sparklers” – small items containing a limited amount of explosive or smoke-causing product.

 

Only a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler of fireworks (in an ATF-approved explosive storage facility) or a licensed fireworks exhibitor with a permit from the appropriate local authority can possess 1.3g items. Ordinary consumers cannot buy or possess 1.3g items.

 

While consumers may buy 1.4g items, these can only be sold and possessed as described as above. It is a criminal offense (1st degree misdemeanor) to use 1.4g items in Ohio or to possess them longer than the stated time periods.

 

Anybody may buy “novelty” items at any retail store that chooses to sell such items, and may use them at any time during the year.

 

 

Links to Fireworks Safety Information and Organizations

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

National Safety Council (NSC)

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

National Council on Fireworks Safety

 

Source: Ohio State Bar Association

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Fall: Halloween

 

Costume Safety

• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame-retardant; wear short clothing that prevents tripping.
• Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes.
• Use face paint (non-toxic, hypoallergenic) and avoid masks - especially if the eye holes obstruct the child's vision.
• Ensure the child sees well through facemasks, or use make-up.
• Don't wear floppy hats or wigs that slide over the eyes. Also, children should not wear long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes.
• Avoid toy weapons - if desired, use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid.
• Stay away from pets. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened.

 

Pedestrian Safety

• Children should stay within familiar areas and surroundings. Parents should establish a route for children.
• Children should use flashlights and stay on sidewalks.
• Children should cross the street at corners/crosswalks and not between parked cars.
• Motorists should drive slowly and watch carefully for children.

 

General Safety

• Many community groups, business associations and others host Halloween parties. Parents should consider these as a safe alternative to door-to-door "trick-or-treating" for their children.
• Children should never go into homes: Always stay on the porch or stoop when asking for treats.
• Children should avoid homes that don't have their outside lights turned on.
• Children should never talk to strangers or get into strangers' cars.
• Children should travel in small groups and be accompanied by parents or an authorized adult chaperone.
• Children should know their home phone number and their parents' cell phone numbers.
• Children should bring home treats before eating them so parents can inspect them.
• When children get home, parents should inspect all candy and other treats before they are eaten. Discard all unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy or fruit.
• If you have any questions about suspicious looking treats, call the police department’s non-emergency number.
• Adults should only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
• Adults should keep porch lights on and their driveways illuminated.
• Homeowners should ensure that their walkways are cleared of debris on which children may trip and fall.
• Parents should cut into fruit, such as apples, to make sure they do not contain foreign objects.

 

Additional Resources

Halloween Safety (National Safety Council)

Know the Rules...Safety Tips for Halloween (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

Tricks for planning a safe Halloween (American Red Cross)

National Crime Prevention Council

 

Source: National Crime Prevention Council

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Winter: Holidays

 

If You Are Traveling

 

If You Are Out for the Evening

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

 

If You Are Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers: Don't overburden yourself with packages. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps and put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• If shopping with kids, teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated. Make sure to have your cell phone on so that they can contact you.

 

Protect Your Vehicle

• Packages left out in the open make your car a likely target for thieves.
• Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view—from holiday gifts to sunglasses, to i-pods—may tempt a thief.
• Although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store – even if for only a minute or two.

 

If a Stranger Comes to the Door

Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. Sadly, it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and trust instead.

 

After Gifts are Opened

Burglars know that many households have new, and oftentimes expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays – especially items such as new computers, cameras and other electronic equipment. In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage.

 

Avoid becoming a target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items at the curb. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. (You also might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future.) Also consider keeping broken-down boxes inside – in a garage, for example – until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts.

 

Take a Holiday Inventory

The holidays are a good time to update—or create—your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.

 

Make sure things like TVs, DVRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list.

 

Celebrate Responsibly

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly—if you drink, have a designated driver with you, or call a cab to get you home safely.

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