Beware of Illegal Fireworks: Greenwich Police

On the eve of Greenwich’s two fireworks displays, the Greenwich Police Department is reminding residents that most fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut.

It is important to understand that the only legal “Fireworks” items in Connecticut are “sparklers and fountains.” Sparklers are non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture. Sparklers can only be legally used by person age 16 or older.

Details on the town fireworks displays can be found here. Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey recommended residents leave fireworks displays “to the professionals” and attend either fireworks show at Greenwich Point or Binney Park on Friday night.

Police said in a statement, “When explaining to the average citizen what a legal consumer firework is versus an illegal firework, officers often simplify the explanation to: If it goes “pop” or “flies around” it’s no good. If it makes pretty colors in a shower of “sparks” it’s OK.”

Here is the rest of the statement issued by Greenwich Police:

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a very strong position against the use of any consumer fireworks because they are so inherently dangerous and says that sparklers, purchased by many parents for use with small children, can ignite clothes and grass. Sparklers actually burn at about 1,200 degrees. These store- bought fireworks can be especially risky to use after draught conditions, threatening nearby brush. The NFPA recommends families attend professional displays, run by experts trained in pyrotechnics, instead of lighting fireworks themselves. The group has created a website, http://www.sparky.org, to teach kids about good choices.

During this upcoming season many merchants that sell seasonal items will also sell fireworks. Although legitimate merchants understand the law, some packaged items may contain fireworks which are not legal for use in Connecticut.

It is important to understand that those items often called novelty items such as: party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame, are not legal for private use in Connecticut. If you have questions about a firework, look for a manufacturer’s name on each item or on the box in which they were packaged. Each device should also list instructions for proper use and have cautionary labeling. The manufacturer’s name and cautionary labeling are required by law. Fireworks without this information are probably illegal and, therefore, to be avoided. If you suspect that you have illegal fireworks contact the police. Of course, always purchase these items from a known merchant and not from the back of someone’s car or garage.

In addition to being illegal, exploding devices no matter how small have proven to be dangerous. Pyro technique industry experts relate nationwide there has been huge decrease in the injury rate of fireworks-related accidents. Unfortunately, the remainder of injuries is the result of the misuse of both legal consumer firework items and the use of illegal explosives.

A few safety tips when handling fireworks:

• • Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  • Never use consumer fireworks indoors.
  • Never give fireworks to young children.
  • Always wear safety glasses.
  • Always have a bucket of water or water hose nearby.

Photo: Flickr.com.