With the Fourth of July approaching, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto is warning residents about the dangers posed by consumer fireworks. The Supervisor is asking everyone to leave fireworks to trained professionals, so the beginning of the summer is both happy and safe.
“Please stay away from consumer fireworks which are extremely dangerous and also illegal in the State of New York,” Supervisor Venditto said. “There’s an expression that goes, ‘Never play with fire,’ but when people use fireworks that’s exactly what they are doing.”
The Supervisor wants everyone to be aware of some alarming statistics about fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average about 200 people go to emergency rooms every day with fireworks-related injuries during a one-month period around the Fourth of July holiday. In addition, a report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stated that in 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. With the risk of both personal injury and the potential for property damage, igniting fireworks is a very hazardous activity, Supervisor Venditto said.
The Supervisor also warned that despite the misperception of some, sparklers are also dangerous and illegal. Supervisor Venditto is especially concerned about sparklers being given to children because some adults falsely believe that sparklers are harmless. He points out that according to the CSPC, sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 Fahrenheit degrees, which is as hot as a blow torch.
Supervisor Venditto emphasized that residents do not have to put themselves and others in harm’s way in order to enjoy fireworks. He said there are plenty of local fireworks shows conducted by professionals, and he specifically invites residents to John J. Burns Town Park on July 12 at 7:30 p.m. for the Town’s annual Salute to America, which is part of the Town’s popular “Music Under the Stars” program. That evening, there will be a fireworks show presented by Grucci, in addition to a performance by Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops Orchestra, and a salute to veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Supervisor additionally said that there is a plethora of other fun summer activities to be enjoyed in the Town of Oyster Bay.
For more information about Town of Oyster Bay recreational activities, residents should look at the Town’s 2014 Summer Guide, which was recently mailed to the homes of residents. In addition, a brochure about the “Music Under the Stars” program was also mailed to Town households. The Supervisor added that both of these are also available at the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.
