|
Summer is synonymous with barbecues and outdoor parties, parades and fireworks. As warmer weather leads to more outdoor gatherings and as Independence Day and its celebrations approach, it is vital to remember how dangerous fireworks can be. They can cause serious burn and eye injuries and fires.
 The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips on ways to celebrate without using fireworks.
 If you choose to use fireworks, please remember that only certain kinds are legal in New Jersey. Permissible fireworks are limited to hand-held or ground-based sparklers, snakes and glow worms; smoke devices; and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers and drop pops. The sale, possession and use of all other fireworks requires a valid permit.
If you plan on using fireworks, please follow these tips:
- Ensure that you only use fireworks that are legal in New Jersey.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Wear protective eye gear if you are using fireworks or are standing nearby when someone else is.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hand.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of a fire.
Also, please remember that sparklers, which many kids love, are dangerous. They burn at temperatures high enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and account for more than 25 percent of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.
For more information on fireworks safety, please contact the Mercer County Youth Fire Setter Advisory Committee at 609-278-4845 or rtaylor@mercercounty.org.
The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department's goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.
Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.
|
