Columbus first responders are "all hands on deck" ahead of Independence Day.
Officials said Friday the city is preparing for the Red White & Boom firework display scheduled to happen downtown on Monday, as well as other citizen celebrations across the city ahead of the Fourth of July. Most fireworks are illegal, but many pyrotechnics are allowed in the city.
Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ said pyrotechnics that shoot in the air or explode and are self-propelled are illegal in Ohio. Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, snakes and sparkling fountains are allowed.
Happ said citizens should be safe and attend the city-sanctioned fireworks event instead of firing off illegal fireworks.
"These laws are in place to protect you, your family and your property. Every year around the country accidental fires and injuries are caused by fireworks. The density of our population and neighborhoods lends itself to these very real dangers if using fireworks improperly," Happ said.
The city is also preparing for Red, White & Boom and asking attendees to take precautions at the events.
Police Chief Elaine Bryant said officers will be on foot, bicycles, horses and in police cruisers. She said a lot of officers will be at the festival and downtown, but first and third shift officers will be in the neighborhoods. Mobile cameras and watchtowers will also be in place around the downtown area.
She said attendees should leave drones, firearms and valuables at home. Coolers are allowed, but Bryant said people should put their name and phone number on the coolers if they are left behind.
Several missing children's booths will be set up downtown as well. People can get their children a bracelet and fill out a registration form that can help police reconnect missing children at the event with their parents faster.
Bryant also cautioned drivers not to stop to watch fireworks. She said the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be monitoring freeways to prevent this.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city is excited to host Red White and Boom, but he urges people to leave firearms at home and to lock up guns and ammunition. He says parents also should keep tabs on teens and youth during the holiday weekend.
"Bear in mind that this is a community lift and this isn't just on the police chief and fire chief. We need all of you to step up as well," Ginther said.
Ginther said parents need to keep tabs on the teens and youth in their lives and to set a curfew.
"We are doing everything within our power here at the city to promote safety and security, but we can't be a parent to every kid in the city of Columbus," Ginther said.
The Red, White and Boom Festival has a scheduled start time of 11 a.m. Monday and the fireworks are expected to begin at 10 p.m. that evening.
The annual fireworks show draws over 400,000 visitors every year, according to the event's website.
