Fireworks Safety
As the 4th of July Holiday approaches, The Municipality of Norristown would like to share some fireworks safety tips to residents.
The summer months are a great time of year for friends and family, said Norristown Fire Chief Tom O’Donnell. But we ask residents to use caution when celebrating. Fireworks can be fun and exciting, unfortunately emergency responders answer to firework related emergencies involving injury, property damage or worse.” We want people to know fireworks are not toys! On average 250 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Fireworks related injuries are painful and their scars can last a lifetime.
With the recent expansion of the Pennsylvania law to allow the sell of consumer grade fireworks, you need to know the facts. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to purchase fireworks. Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without permission of the property owner. Fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building, toward a motor vehicle or building or within 150 feet of an occupied structure. Finally, fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Attend public fireworks displays and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, sparklers burn at nearly 1200 degrees and account for over one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
- Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap
Important Information:
Fireworks Ordinance for the Municipality of Norristown
- Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?
- Who can purchase fireworks?
- What are the restrictions on where they can be used?
- Where can the fireworks be purchased?
