Executive Hughes urges fireworks safety
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day safely, and to take steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and property from potential fireworks injuries or damage.
“Please consider leaving the fireworks displays to the professionals, as many commercial fireworks displays are returning this year,” Mr. Hughes said. “If you are planning to purchase and use fireworks, be considerate of your neighbors and pets regarding noise and hazards, and follow local laws and guidance.”
In 2018 alone, there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The largest number of injuries (36%) involved children under the age of 15, and about half of the reported injuries were burns. The head, eyes, face, or ears were most frequently impacted.
Fireworks Safety Tips from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety:
Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safety
- Only buy from reputable places.
- Don’t buy if packaging is damaged or appears tampered with.
- Don’t try and “fix” broken or “dud” fireworks.
- While non-aerial fireworks may be legal, they can still burn you. Temperatures of one sparkler can reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and are not toys for children.
- Never use indoors.
- Always have water handy and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- NEVER relight a “dud” firework and wait 20 minutes to dispose of properly.
Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safe Disposal
- Completely soak used or “dud” fireworks in a bucket of water and allow them to soak overnight.
- Double-wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help keep them from drying out.
- Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage.
LEGAL in New Jersey:
- A wood stick or wire sparkler of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item;
- A hand held or ground based sparkling device which is 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
- 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.
ILLEGAL in New Jersey:
- All consumer fireworks not specifically permitted including torpedoes, firecrackers, skyrockets, aerial devices and fireworks containing yellow or white phosphorous or mercury.
Roundup of Independence Day Professional Fireworks Displays in Mercer County, courtesy of Patch.com
What: Lawrence Township Fireworks Display
Where: Rider University, Lawrenceville
When: Thursday, July 1, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fireworks are back in Lawrence Township this year. On July 1 the township will be hosting fireworks display at Rider University. The township will release further details closer to the day.
What: Hamilton Independence Day Fireworks & Concert
Where: Veterans Park, Kuser Road Entrance, Hamilton Township
When: Friday, July 2, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hamilton Township is celebrating Independence Day with fireworks and a concert by The Heartbeats. Celebrations are scheduled on July 2, at Veterans Park, Kuser Road entrance. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks are scheduled around 9:30 p.m. The rain date is set for July 3.
What: L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair Fireworks, West Windsor
Where: Mercer County Park, West Windsor
When: July 3, 4 and 10. Weekdays 5 p.m. onwards and weekends 1 p.m.
L.E.A.D Fest State Fair, which is New Jersey’s agricultural fair, will be held between July 1 to 11 at the Mercer County Park in West Windsor. As part of the fair, fireworks are planned for Independence Day. On July 3 and 4, Mercer County residents can enter the fair for free after 6 p.m. to watch fireworks. On other days, including July 10, the admission fee is $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends and holidays. The agricultural exhibition includes farm animal displays, racing pigs, lots of food, and craft vendors. Click here for the event flyer and to buy tickets, visit: https://www.leadrugs.org
What: Uncle Sam’s Great American Family Picnic & Fireworks
Where: Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton
When: Sunday, July 4, 6:30 p.m. onwards, fireworks after the game
Trenton Thunder is organizing their annual Uncle Sam’s Great American Family Picnic on July 4. Tickets are priced at $28 and include a 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, potato salad, garden salad, baked beans, chips, cookies, watermelon, soda, and apple pie! Stick around for post-game fireworks.
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