After a trying 2020, the Levittown area is ready to celebrate this Fourth of July.
State and local officials are hoping that residents celebrate safety and abide by laws and regulations around fireworks.
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Since Pennsylvania loosened fireworks laws in 2018, officials and anyone with ears have reported an uptick in the number of booms, pops, and crackles that go off during summer weekends and especially over the July 4th holiday.
Numerous municipalities have issued pleas over the past years. They have stepped up enforcement by police and educational campaigns by fire officials, but complaints have still poured in.
Falls Township police Chief Nelson Whitney warned residents to follow the fireworks laws.
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“We will be out there in force. It’s not safe to have some of these fireworks in residential areas. Be prepared to be arrested and pay a fine,” he said.
The Pennsylvania State Police have highlighted the following rules for lighting off fireworks:
- They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
- They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
- They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
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“Happy Fourth of July. Be safe and try not to light off too many fireworks because it’s making my dog crazy,” Bristol Township Council member Patrick Antonello said.
“Although fireworks may seen fun and harmless, they can be dangerous and even fatal if not used properly. Plus, the dogs and babies of your neighbors would appreciate you keeping them to a minimum,” Middletown Township Supervisor Amy Strouse said.
The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2018 there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Local hospitals report fireworks-related injuries every year and the Levittown-area has seen deaths over the years.
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“We say it every year because it’s true; fireworks are not toys,” said Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego. “With significant progress being made on the vaccination front, this summer holds the promise of a return to normalcy in many ways. Much like a vaccine, there are many simple precautions we can take to ensure a fireworks display doesn’t result in an unnecessary trip to an emergency room.”
The State Fire Commissioner’s Office gave the following suggestions:
- Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of at least 1200 degrees.
- Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.
- Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.
- After the fireworks have burned, fully douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.
- Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, or other medications or substances that can impair judgment or the ability to react quickly to an emergency.
- Whether attending a professional display, or using consumer fireworks, always remain at a safe distance from the ignition location.
- Be sensitive of neighbors and their pets, particularly if military veterans live nearby.
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