Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks Safety Tips: Light Up Your Fourth of July with Confidence in New Jersey

As fireworks paint the sky with bursts of color, let’s ensure our celebrations are as safe as they are spectacular. This blog brings you essential safety tips and highlights New Jersey’s laws to keep your Fourth of July celebrations dazzling and danger-free. Join us as we explore how to enjoy fireworks responsibly, ensuring a night of awe and safety.

Are Fireworks Legal in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a long history of fireworks injuries that go back to July 4, 1936. That year, New Jersey had more fireworks injuries than any other state. More than 900 people were injured, including two fatalities, from the July 4th fireworks. Due to the number of injuries, the state passed a law (backed by organizations like the American Legion, Benevolent Order of Elks and others) that made purchasing or owning fireworks in New Jersey illegal.

Until 2017, New Jersey prohibited fireworks except for permitted demonstrations. Today, the only legal fireworks for sale and use by consumers in NJ are the following “sparkling devices and novelties”:

a. Wood sticks or wire sparklers of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item;
b. Hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial, which may produce a crackling or whistling effect, and contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; and
c. Snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, which include party poppers, snappers, and drop pops, each consisting of 25/100 grains or less of explosive mixture.

It’s important to remember all other fireworks are still illegal in the state.

The Rules of Firework Safety

Read the instructions before lighting fireworks to ensure you’re using them correctly. Check out the following fireworks safety tips:

1. Ignite fireworks outside in a clear, open area away from other people and flammable materials. Ensure there are no obstructions overhead.
2. Never allow young children to be near the launching area. Establish a designated viewing area and enforce boundaries.
3. Never attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks or pick up ones that have not fully ignited. Wait until they have cooled down before disposing of them properly.
4. Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidental fires. Be prepared to extinguish fireworks or any sparks or flames immediately.
5. Do not use fireworks while impaired in any way. Stay sober to ensure safe handling and enjoyment.
6. Postpone your fireworks display if it’s windy. Wind can spread sparks and increase the risk of fires.
7. Wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks to protect your eyes.
8. Do not hold fireworks in your hand or place any body part directly over them when igniting the fuse. Use a lighting device with an extended handle.
9. Never point fireworks at someone. Maintain a safe distance from spectators to prevent severe burns or other injuries.
10. Keep pets indoors. Many pets do not like the sound of fireworks and must be kept safely away from possible fireworks injuries.

What Are the Dangers of Fireworks?

• Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, which is equivalent to a blow torch and hot enough to melt some metals.
• Sparklers account for more than one-quarter of fireworks-related injuries. Purchase glow sticks for your young children instead of using sparklers.
• Dropping sparklers in a bucket of water when done is a safe way to prevent serious injuries.
• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket. The friction may set them off.
• Do not store unused fireworks in a car or attic where the temperature could rise over 130°F as fireworks can ignite.

Public Fireworks Displays in NJ: The Safest and Most Spectacular Way to Celebrate

If you choose to use sparklers and novelties, please follow the fireworks safety tips! However, the best way to safely see fireworks is to leave the launching to the professionals. Most towns and counties have several opportunities to attend public fireworks displays during the end of June and the beginning of July. Check out the Borough of Matawan’s website for fireworks information.

• You might like: Holiday Lights Safety Tips

Sources:
Office of Public Safety Compliance – Fireworks
New Jersey Explosives and Fireworks Act
Legal Fireworks Legal in New Jersey (PDF)

Photo by Arthur Chauvineau on Unsplash