Fireworks Reminders Issued In Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach

POINT PLEASANT AND POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Police in Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach are reminding residents and visitors to stick to the legal fireworks for the Fourth of July weekend.

Legal fireworks are the non-aerial ones such as handheld sparklers, ground-based sparklers and novelty fireworks such as poppers and snappers. They are legal for people age 16 or older.

All other fireworks remain illegal to sell, possess and use in New Jersey, including firecrackers, aerials, sky rockets/bottle rockets, single-tube device with report, reloadable shell device/Roman candles.

The use, possession and sale of fireworks on the illegal list is considered a disorderly persons offense and carries a fine of up to $500.

It is illegal to carry or use banned fireworks in New Jersey, even if they were legally purchased in Pennsylvania or other states with less-strict laws.

Police will actively confiscate all illegal fireworks and individuals may be charged criminally.

Here are other safety reminders:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying them or using them
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.