Escambia County Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

July 4, 2018

Escambia County is offering fireworks safety tips to make the most out of the holiday.

Most fireworks are illegal in the state of Florida. It is unlawful for any person to set off fireworks without a permit. A good rule of thumb is if it flies or explodes, it is not legal in Florida. Using illegal fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor and is a crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

What is illegal in Florida?

  • Personal aerial fireworks
  • Personal explosive fireworks
  • According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an average of 18,500 reported fires each year. Sparklers account for roughly 25 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries.
  • There were four firework-related deaths in 2016, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2016.

What is legal in Florida?

  • Over 2,000 state approved sparklers, trick noise makers, and fountains. These products have “emits a fountain or shower of sparks” on the package. These are legal anytime of the year. Read the approved list here.
  • Permitted public fireworks displays

The safest way to enjoy fireworks with your family is to enjoy a public fireworks show.

If you decide to celebrate the Fourth of July at home with sparklers, it’s important to know sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Here are some helpful tips to minimize your chance of accident or injury:

  • Only purchase state approved sparklers from licensed vendors.
  • Prior to use, be sure to read and follow all warnings and instructions.
  • Only light sparklers on a flat smooth surface away from combustible materials. Do not light them on grass.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over the sparkler when lighting the fuse.
  • Never allow children to play or use any sparkler or novelty device without supervision.
  • Do not use any unwrapped item that may have been tampered with.
  • Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a “dud.” Discard of all products safely.
  • Submerge used and “dud” sparklers in water prior to placing in household trash receptacles.

Comments

4 Responses to “Escambia County Offers Fireworks Safety Tips”

  1. retired on July 4th, 2018 10:15 am

    @BOB it is also one of the many LAWS the SHERIFF ignores. if they wrote criminal summons, they don’t have to physically arrest them but they will have to go to court. then let let them pay that 1000 dollar fine, they won’t drive to ala. next year

  2. bob in baker on July 4th, 2018 6:44 am

    You’re correct fireworks in Florida are illegal. However, that’s just one of the many laws that law abiding citizens ignore.

  3. A.Wilton Thompson on July 4th, 2018 2:52 am

    Nervous wreck tried to correct.

  4. A.Wilton Thompson on July 4th, 2018 2:50 am

    If it flies and explodes it is illegal in Florida.Praying for rain this evening.The loud racket makes my little hounds a nervous

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive