Before you risk using illegal fireworks (anything other than “Safe and Sane” fireworks that remain stationary and don’t fly up in the air), keep in mind, that moment of fun may turn into a costly experience. During last year’s Independence Day, local police put into affect the then new city ordinance allowing police to issue a civil citation for the use of illegal fireworks; a citation accompanied by a $1,000 fine.
Last year, police handed out seven of those $1,000 fines. If you you don’t want such a fine to burn a hole in your wallet, you should stick to using ”Safe and Sane” fireworks at your July Fourth celebration.
Last Independence Day, local police received nearly 80 calls throughout the day regarding fireworks activities. Many calls were questions about how to use the fireworks they had purchased. Other calls included complaints about illegal fireworks or the time of day/night they were being set off. Last year, there weren’t any serious injuries or fires caused by fireworks and local police and fire are hopeful there won’t be any more than minor incidents this weekend.
Only purchase "Safe and Sane" fireworks offered by locally approved vendors set up throughout Rohnert Park. If a fireworks item does not bear this seal, it is illegal.
Still, because of the fire danger associated with the use of fireworks and because generally there are some people who bring in illegal fireworks from out of state or from Mexico, Sgt. Mike Bates said extra fire patrols will drive through Rohnert Park neighborhoods on Sunday. Three fire engines will be roaming the city on the lookout for any fireworks-related issues.
If you do witness people using illegal fireworks, you are asked to call the Department of Public Safety.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July by remembering a few safety tips offered by the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) if you have your own mini fireworks show:
Don’t set off fireworks too close to structures, vehicles, trees or dry plants. Only use fireworks outdoors;
Keep a water source handy in case of a fire. Have a bucket of water handy and/or keep a garden hose accessible (with a water control device fitted and the water turned on). It’s good to water nearby bushes and plants prior to lighting fireworks.
Do not allow children to light fireworks and talk to them about fire safety prior to handling sparklers. The NCFS suggests only children over the 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Once their sparklers burn out, place them in a bucket of water;
Keep a mobile phone with you in case a fire becomes out of control and you need to call 9-1-1 emergency services quickly.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the fireworks and the NCFS suggests the person lighting the fireworks wear safety glasses;
Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them;
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak the dud in a bucket of water;
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter” who isn’t consuming alcohol;
Once your fireworks are used, pour water over them before bagging the used containers. Keep the bag away from buildings;
Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community; and
Keep pets indoors. The loud fireworks sounds may frighten your pets.
Happy Independence Day!