Don’t blow your hand off this long holiday weekend, officials warn.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary this Independence Day weekend, state and local officials are issuing a reminder to the public: leave the fireworks to the professionals.
Advertisements
Each year across the nation, amateurs lighting off fireworks face serious consequences, including trips to the emergency room or hefty fines.
Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook asked residents to use caution during the upcoming holiday.
“For many Pennsylvanians, fireworks are a long-standing, enjoyable tradition, but improper use of fireworks can quickly turn tradition into a trip to the emergency room,” Cook said. “Every year, preventable injuries and fires occur because basic safety precautions are ignored. As you celebrate, keep a safe distance, follow manufacturer recommendations for use, understand local laws, and leave the professional displays to the experts.”
Advertisements
Bucks County has seen its share of fireworks-related blazes, injuries, and fatalities over the years.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, local authorities have released safety guidelines and reminded the public of the laws for amateur displays, which frequently lead to neighborhood noise complaints in populated areas.
Advertisements
As part of Pennsylvania law, people 18 and older are permitted to buy, own, and detonate consumer-grade fireworks, including Roman candles, bottle rockets, and firecrackers, provided they contain no more than 50 milligrams of explosive material.
The law prohibits the use of these fireworks under certain conditions.
Violators face penalties, including a fine of up to $500 for a first offense.
Illegal actions include discharging fireworks:
- Within 150 feet of any building or vehicle, regardless of whether the user owns the property.
- On public or private property without the explicit permission of the owner.
- Inside, directed at, or directed from a vehicle or structure.
- Directed at another person.
- While under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Advertisements
The restrictions do not apply to ground and handheld sparklers, novelties, or toy caps, which remain permitted at all times.
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner released a list of safety tips for those choosing to use legal fireworks.
Advertisements
Officials emphasize that users should never handle fireworks while impaired by alcohol, medication, or illegal drugs.
Protective eyewear is recommended, and individuals should never hold lit fireworks or place any part of their body over them.
Advertisements
Officials noted that young children should never be allowed to handle fireworks, pointing out that sparklers alone burn at 2,000 degrees and represent the second leading cause of fireworks-related emergency room visits.
For emergency preparedness, residents should keep a fire extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water nearby, and fireworks should never be ignited indoors or near people and buildings.
Advertisements
Proper disposal is also key to preventing fires, and officials said that waiting 30 minutes after use before touching fireworks, followed by soaking all spent fireworks, misfires, and duds in water for 24 hours to eliminate the risk of reignition.
Authorities advise residents to keep pets safe indoors with curtains closed and background noise playing to minimize holiday stress.
