New York State Division of Consumer Protection
The 4th
of July weekend typically sees a rise in firework related injuries and
increase in drunk driving cases
Secretary
of State Robert J. Rodriguez urges New Yorkers to celebrate safely and use
extreme caution with fireworks and family gatherings.
The New York State Division
of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers to keep safe while
celebrating Independence Day. As we celebrate this annual tradition with
festivities ranging from fireworks, picnics, parades, family gatherings and
barbecues, let’s also remember basic safety tips that apply to everyone.
“I know many New Yorkers are
eager to celebrate Independence Day this year, but we must ensure our
celebrations are safe and fun,” said New
York State, Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez who
oversees the NYS Division of Consumer Protection. “Around this holiday, the
biggest threats to safety are very close to home. The 4th of July is one of
the holidays with the highest number of accidents. We want to make sure the
time-honored holiday tradition of fireworks is done safely by following basic
tips.”
“Summertime, and especially
the Fourth of July, are times of celebration and togetherness, but when
fireworks and sparkling devices are added to the party, it can lead to very
serious injuries for those involved,”
New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie
Bray said. "The best way to stay safe this Fourth of
July is to leave the fireworks to the professionals, but if you plan on using
sparkling devices, please make sure you do so as safely as possible.”
Around the 4th of
July, there are a lot of fire-related accidents. Every year, thousands of
people — most of them children, teens and young adults — are injured while
using fireworks. Most of these injuries happen in the month around the 4th
of July. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that nationally nearly
half of the fireworks-related injuries were to people younger than 20 years
of age.
Additionally, the 4th
of July is one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road. According to
the National Traffic Safety Administration, dates around this holiday, sadly,
often see an increase in impaired driving crashes. Drunk driving isn’t the
only risky behavior causing crashes on our roads; drug-impaired and
distracted driving are issues too. Many people recognize that driving under
the influence is dangerous. However, many people fail to recognize the
danger of driving while distracted, especially if they try to talk or text on
a cell phone.
NYS Division of Consumer
Protection wants you to enjoy a safe holiday and offers these tips you can
follow:
FIREWORKS - WHAT’S
LEGAL AND WHAT’S NOT IN NEW YORK STATE:
What’s
Legal:
- Sale
of sparkling devices by registered sellers from June 1 until July 5
annually. 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.
- Users
must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices.
What’s Not Legal:
- Sparkling
devices are illegal in New York City and the following counties: Albany,
Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange (prohibited in the
Cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Queens, Richmond, Schenectady,
Suffolk, Warren and Westchester. The list of counties that prohibit the
sale and possession of sparkling devices is ever changing, thus to be
sure your compliant please check with your local county sheriff’s
office.
- Any
other types of fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman
candles, spinners, and aerial devices are illegal statewide.
TIPS TO CELEBRATE
SAFELY:
Tips for Using
Sparkling Devices Safely:
- Children
and Sparklers are a Dangerous Combination. Never allow young children to
play with or ignite fireworks, including
sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees
Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never
throw or point fireworks 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 fireworks always wears eye protection.
- Light
only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a
dud."
- Store
fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- If
you are impaired by alcohol, don’t use fireworks.
Tips for Driving
Safely:
- Avoid
driving while impaired. If you are driving this July 4th, make sure to
watch out for others as they may not be sober.
- If
you plan to drink, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home.
- A
sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who has had
the least to drink from a group of people. Even if you’ve had only one
drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home.
- If
you’re hosting a 4th of July gathering, help the designated drivers out
by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
To learn more about consumer
safety, or to file a marketplace consumer complaint against a business or
individual, please contact the Division’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 697-1220
or visit its website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.
Follow the Division of Consumer Protection on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer
and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.
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