FIREWORKS

KEEP IT LEGAL . . .KEEP IT SAFE

 

With July 4th just around the corner, the Seaside Police and Fire Department are reminding residents and visitors who choose to celebrate with fireworks to use only legal “Safe and Sane” fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2004 saw 9,600 fireworks related injuries that required a trip to the hospital. 6,600 of those occurred as part of the 4th of July celebration. More than half of those injured are children and 40% of fireworks mishaps injure bystanders.

 

Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or act in an uncontrolled manner. Many fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington are illegal in Oregon. This includes bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers and M80’s. To ensure that you are using legal fireworks, purchase them from a fixed and licensed firework stand or retail outlet.

Celebrate Safely:

·         Have a bucket of water or hose nearby to "douse" misfired and spent fireworks and/or extinguish potential fires.

·         Use fireworks outside on a paved surface, far away from buildings and bushes.

·         Never aim fireworks at people, property, or pets.

·         Never alter fireworks or make your own.

·         Never pick up or try to re-light a "dud."

·         Store fireworks, lighters, and matches out of the reach of children.

·         Only adults should handle or light fireworks. Supervise children at all times when using fireworks.

Laws and Penalties:

In addition to the safety concerns, individuals using fireworks should know there are laws and penalties relating to fireworks:

  • You can be held liable for damages resulting from misuse of fireworks - legal or illegal.

·         Parents can be held liable for damage caused by their children

·         Under Oregon law, officials can seize illegal fireworks and you can be fined up to $500 per violation and/or arrested.

·         Fire departments can fine you for the cost of extinguishing fires caused by fireworks.

The Seaside Police and Fire Department have committed to a Firework Campaign that includes flyers, neighborhood patrols, news stories, fire marshal at public firework displays, public service announcements, and investigation of all firework-caused fires.

Police will be driving throughout neighborhoods on the Fourth of July to remind individuals to “Keep it Legal…Keep it Safe.”  Individuals will be reminded to use fireworks safely and the penalties associated with illegal fireworks.