Answers: Fireworks

Should Iowa legislators expand legal fireworks?

FROM OUR INBOX

Consumer fireworks shouldn't be made legal.

As a person who has been diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder and fireworks are a trigger, it's bad enough dealing with illegal consumer fireworks in June and July. I can't imagine having to cope year-round. I enjoy being outside in the fresh air, sitting on my patio and talking to my neighbors. I don't enjoy sitting in the house with the windows closed and TV turned up loud to block the noise.

Display firework shows are usually advertised in advance so I can make preparations to deal with them by finding something to do in a nearby city. With consumer fireworks there aren't any options to avoid them short of soundproofing my house and not leaving it.

I understand the need to find new revenue streams for the state, but I think the mental health of the citizens of Iowa should be a priority.

Myke G.

Waterloo

Yes, they should allow home display. It is already happening.

Accidents are going to happen, but if they require a class on firework safety and require a certificate of completion of firework safety, I think that responsible homeowner would be more careful.

Deana C.

Iowa City

No! I see bigger headaches for our police and sheriff's departments. People will not use common sense, and they will be disturbing people all hours of the day and night.

Also, what about the mess it will cause for pet owners? A lot of dogs go crazy from the sound of fireworks, and I foresee a lot more dogs escaping, and being lost.

What if you lived right next door to someone who was always setting them off? What are your rights going to be?

Who will be responsible to clean up the debris that is left afterward?

I'm sure it is going to boil down to whether the state can make money off the deal, but I see it as a ton of new headaches.

Jeannette B.

West Burlington

Fireworks should be legalized and an explosive limit could be placed limiting the largest mortars and fireworks to professional sale only. This would be enforced on the sale, not by investigating an individual's property.

Safety has never been an issue when I've been around fireworks growing up. Those who might use fireworks unsafely are a minority and already have access to fireworks.

Let those of us who want to do it safely and legally do so.

Andrew L.

Cedar Rapids

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FROM FACEBOOK

' Joe S.: Yes. If I can buy them in Missouri and Wisconsin, I should be able to buy them here.

' Kurt B.: I don't think a once a year fireworks display is a big deal. Certainly not a nuisance. I mean, shall we ban thunderstorms?

' Dana K.: I say yes! There are a lot of people that set stuff off around our neighborhood so why not let people and the state make money? I've seen more injuries from sparklers, which are legal here, than anything. As with all things, common sense will keep injuries down.

' Jacqueline H.S.: My dog is hoping for a no vote.

' Linda M.: Don't they have more important things to argue about?

' Eric P.: Make them legal so my tax dollars stay in the state and go for a good cause, and so I don't have to drive so far to get them.

' Jim H.: Quit regulating products. Government is to govern, not stick their revenue grabbing hands into the market.

' Angela E.: Absolutely NOT. Fireworks are a nuisance, fire hazard and dangerous in the wrong hands.