OCEAN COUNTY – More than 2,000 children nationwide are injured each year by fireworks, with a large percentage of injuries taking place around the Fourth of July weekend.
Store-bought legal fireworks and illegal explosive devices are the cause, so the Ocean County Commissioners are once again cautioning residents to be careful and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea said, “many of our communities have exciting fireworks displays planned for the July Fourth holiday. I encourage our families and visitors alike to enjoy one or more of these professionally arranged spectacular shows.”
Some types of fireworks are legal to purchase and use in the state but even these devices can pose a serious hazard, especially to children. A common sparkler can burn at nearly 3,000 degrees and cause third-degree burns, according to physicians at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Burns account for 33 percent of all fireworks-related injuries. Crea expressed concern that during the summer holiday children may be tempted by the colorful packages of fireworks displayed at stores and sidewalk stands.
Crea said, “if you insist on buying legal fireworks, please follow the safety instructions carefully and keep the items away from small children.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission also has safety advice for the handling of common fireworks:
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of an accident or fire.
- Light fireworks one at a time and quickly move to a safe distance.
- Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hand.
- Do not pick up or attempt to re-lite fireworks that fail to work.
There are more destructive types of fireworks that sold legally in other states and travelling out-of-state and bringing those items back to New Jersey can carry stiff penalties according to Gary Quinn, Deputy Director of the Board of Commissioners.
Quinn said, “the kinds of fireworks common in other states are often not legal to possess or use in New Jersey.”
Many retail fireworks are imported from China and other countries making quality control an issue.
“When you light that fuse, you never know what is going to happen. A rocket can fly out of control and strike a child or land on a roof and start a fire. Don’t risk injury to yourself or others. Instead let’s make sure everyone enjoys a safe and happy Fourth of July,” Quinn said.
A number of professional fireworks shows will be held during Independence Day weekend in Ocean County. The full list can be found at the Ocean County website: co.ocean.nj.us.
