Trumbull Police Offer July 4th Celebration, Firework Safety Tips

TRUMBULL, CT — With the Fourth of July holiday fast-approaching, Trumbull police took a moment this week to wish everyone "enjoyable and memorable holiday experiences" but urged residents to be careful and remain safe.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir noted various July 4th traditions come with man related dangers, especially involving fireworks.

"Just because aerial fireworks are illegal in the state of Connecticut, that does not mean the danger no longer exists," Weir said in a news release, "even if they are substituted for fountains and sparklers."

Below are several keys to Connecticut's fireworks laws and safety tips provided by police:

• All fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut, with the exception of sparklers and fountains.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or streamers.
• Consequently, it is also illegal to allow children under 16 years of age to play with or ignite
• fireworks.
• Only persons 16 years of age and older may legally use sparklers and fountains in the State of
• Connecticut.
• Although sparklers are legal in the State of Connecticut they are still extremely dangerous. Sparklers burn at temperatures of approximately 2000° F which is hot enough to quickly ignite
• clothing and even melt some metals.
• Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame
• are illegal for private use in Connecticut.
• Never use fireworks if you are impaired by drugs of alcohol.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly move to a safe distance. Do not light fireworks near any houses, structures, people, or other flammable material.
• Never point a firework at someone, and do not light anything in your hand.
• Never try to re-light of pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off, or in case a fire ignites.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted at a state approved site by Connecticut licensed pyro technicians.

Weir also noted large aerial fireworks like mortars and cakes are illegal. Firecrackers, reloadable shells, MClass devices, Roman Candles, bottle rockets, shot cakes, novelties, noise makers, poppers, snaps, sky lanterns and any firework that goes aerial or explodes are also illegal.

"The Trumbull Police Department would like everyone to safely enjoy their gatherings and Fourth of July celebrations," Weir said. "Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. Always remember, if you observe dangerous or illegal activity, call the police right away...have a safe and happy [Fourth of July]!"