The City of Port St. Lucie reminds residents to use caution before blasting off legal consumer fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. A new law was adopted by the Florida Legislature in March 2020 and it provides that fireworks may be lawfully used on December 31st (New Year’s Eve), January 1st (New Year’s Day), and July 4th (Independence Day).
While fireworks are legal on those three days, citizens need to be aware that these devices have the potential to cause injuries and damages. Call 911 to report an injury, fire, medical emergency or immediate danger. The City is also requesting that residents avoid calling 911 to report complaints about fireworks on July 4, 2020.
“On July 4, 2020, it’s important that we keep 911 telephone lines clear for life-threatening emergencies,” explained Port St. Lucie Police Chief John Bolduc. “You may call 772-871-5001, the police non-emergency number, to report the use of fireworks in your neighborhood, but we ask for your patience when calling on busy nights like the Fourth of July when call volume is high.”
Fireworks are beautiful, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used safely. Sparklers are reported to burn between 1,800-3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Fireworks must be handled with care to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening injuries. Premature detonation and misuse of fireworks are responsible for many burn injuries every year, which all could be avoided with proper and safe handling. Safety should be everyone’s priority, and parents should always supervise juveniles who are using fireworks. The City of Port St. Lucie urges residents to be careful and follow safety precautions.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common-sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries can be greatly reduced:
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise juveniles if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can be deadly
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- Be aware of local laws or rules regarding fireworks. Certain HOA covenants prohibit fireworks.
And note these special safety tips, if using sparklers:
- Always remain standing while using sparklers.
- Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
- Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
- Never throw sparklers.
- Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
- Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.
