State & Union: NYS urges safety with sparklers, fireworks
Folks are urged to keep safe while celebrating the Fourth of July, including in the handling of consumer-grade sparklers and fireworks.
As part of a multi-agency effort, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, along with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the state Department of Health, are providing tips to help New Yorkers stay safe while celebrating Independence Day with legal sparkling devices.
Common causes of fireworks-related injuries are:
• Fast-fuse firecracker exploding before it can be thrown.
• Misguided rocket striking a bystander.
• Going to investigate why a firecracker “failed” to explode.
Approximately 20,000 fires are started by fireworks annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association, including structure fires, vehicle fires and outdoor fires.
“Fireworks may seem like harmless fun, but they pose very real dangers, especially to young people,” says state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Each year, we see far too many emergency visits due to preventable accidents. This Fourth of July, I urge all New Yorkers to make safety a priority, leave fireworks to trained professionals and enjoy spending time with family and friends.”
WHAT’S PERMITTED IN NEW YORK
The sale of sparkling devices by registered sellers from June 1 until July 5 annually is OK. Sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke. They do not launch into the air.
The possession and use of sparkling devices is permitted in cities with populations of less than one million people and as permitted by local law. Users must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices.
WHAT’S NOT PERMITTED
Fireworks and dangerous fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, are illegal statewide, except for displays conducted by authorized individuals as permitted by law.
The possession and use of sparkling devices in cities with populations of more than one million people and where prohibited by local law, including New York City and the following counties: Albany, Columbia, Erie, Nassau, Orange (prohibited in the Cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Schenectady, Suffolk, Warren and Westchester.
Tips for using sparkling ddevices safely:
• Children and sparklers are a dangerous combination. Never allow children to play with or ignite combustible items, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never throw or point sparkling devices toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting sparkling devices always wears eye protection.
• Light only one sparkling device at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Always use sparkling devices outdoors. Never light sparklers inside.
• Store sparkling devices in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, don’t use sparkling devices.