Rob Hardin / Chief Photographer / rh124104@ohiou.edu

Before you throw the burgers and dogs on the grill and ready yourself with a cold one to marvel at the illuminated Fourth of July sky, make sure you know how to celebrate your independence without compromising it.

Although setting off firecrackers and bottle rockets may seem like innocent fun, they could land you with a $1,000 fine — or even jail time.

Consumer fireworks, or 1.4G fireworks, include firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and fountains. In the state of Ohio, it is legal to purchase 1.4G fireworks but illegal to set them off within the state.

Prior to the sale, the consumer must complete a purchaser form, which states that all Ohio residents must transport the fireworks out of state within 48 hours to legally discharge them. Non-residents are allotted 72 hours. Consumers must give an intended destination when purchasing fireworks.

First-time violators of Ohio firework laws are subject to a first-degree misdemeanor charge and could face a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Officer Roger Deardorff of the Athens Police Department said the department does not treat fireworks-related offenses as strictly during the holiday and that the festivities do not create an added workload.

“It’s not a big problem, some complaints, but nothing out of the ordinary,” he said.

According to Ohio law, violations include falsifying the purchaser form, failing to complete the form, failing to transport fireworks out of state within the specified time period and discharging 1.4G fireworks.

Bobby Hamilton, of Eagle Fireworks Inc., in Marietta, said the company enforces the purchaser agreement.

They also provide a “Fireworks Safety” link on their Web site that provides some helpful tips on how to enjoy a safe Fourth of July. Some tips warn against shooting fireworks in metal or glass containers, or shooting fireworks indoors.

By federal law, the employees of firework manufacturers and exhibitors have to complete courses every three years to keep their jobs and licenses, said Shane Cartmill, public information officer for the state fire marshal.

Cartmill added that retailers are required to have a uniformed security guard leading up to the Fourth of July.