Fireworks Safety Tips
June 28, 2002--
This is the time of year when people start thinking about buying fireworks. Fireworks stands are opening up in the usual places.
But this year, many will stay closed.
Keith McCord reports the fire danger issue is the reason.
The heat and the drought are causing a lot of communities to impose fireworks restrictions of some sort.
Among the new ones announced:
Sandy City police will take a "no tolerance" approach this year for anyone using illegal fireworks, or mis-using legal ones...
Sgt. Michelle Burnette/Sandy P.D.: "No warnings to any misuse of fireworks. We will be issuing citations on the first response and confiscating the fireworks."
And the penalty will be severe-- up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,800.
In nearby Holladay, all fireworks are banned-- even the legal kind that are sold at fireworks stands.
Jerry Medina/Holladay City Administrator: "As you know, we have a lot of trees and wooded areas in Holladay, and we felt like, because of the drought conditions, it would be appropriate to ban fireworks."
You may be seeing fewer fireworks stands, too. You often see them in grocery store parking lots.
Smith's and Dan's have shut down several of the stands at a few locations-- primarily on the east bench, where restrictions are more severe.
The restriction in Holladay is in effect from July 1st through September 30th, and may become permanent.
Jerry Medina/Holladay City Administrator: "In fact, it's going to be my recommendation that the city actually adopt an ordinance that stays in effect. That way the residents will know that the ban is in effect, and hopefully we won't have any problems with fires."
After the events of last September, American's are expected to really want to show their spirit this Independance Day.
Professional fireworks shows will go on as usual.. and if you're in an area where you can shoot off legal fireworks, be responsible.
Sgt. Michelle Burnette/Sandy P.D.: "Usually we have a more laid back approach that we'll work with the citizens and try to gain compliance. But we just feel that it's important this year to be vigilant with the fire safety."
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you are shooting fireworks:
- Make sure you're in an open area
- Have a bucket of water or a hose handy
- Have a bucket or metal container of water for the used fireworks
- Do not try to reignite malfunctioning fireworks
- Never ignite fireworks while holding them
- Don't experiment with homemade fireworks
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person or in the air
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in a metal or glass container
- Light one item at a time and then move back quickly
- Always provide parental supervision of the fireworks from the time they are purchased, when discharged, to disposal
