That’s up from previous year, when Americans spent $755 million on fireworks, the APA estimates, and 180% more than the $284 million we spent in 1998.
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Citizens should also remember that even though it is legal to buy, possess, and use consumer fireworks (1.4G) in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, there are some places you can not use fireworks even in the unincorporated county.
Lastly, he says, if you do start a fire or get injured call your local police department immediately.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase or discharge consumer fireworks.
Lighting up the sky with fireworks is a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
For example, big fireworks (bottle rockets, roman candles and artillery shells) are still illegal in New York State, but a law passed in 2015 allowed for the sale of sparklers and other small ground fireworks in dozens of counties outside of New York City.
The only fireworks that are legal in Turlock are those approved by the State Fire Marshal, which carry the Safe and Sane logo. Also be sure to have water on hand to wet the fireworks when you’re finished. Every year, the improper use of fireworks causes both minor and serious injuries over the 4th of July weekend.
Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 260 people end up in the emergency room nationwide each day in the weeks leading up to the July Fourth holiday.
Whereas public fireworks displays are often led by professionals with officials on-site in case of emergency, for an amateur using pyrotechnic items for the first time in a residential area, the results could be painful or disastrous.
“There’s glow bracelets, light up wands, LED things, things that are safe for children to use while the adults are lighting the fireworks”, said Daniel Peters, General Manager of Peters Ashwaubenon Uncle Sam’s Fireworks.
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How about just leaving the fireworks to the professionals? In 2015, USA fireworks consumption totaled 285.3 million pounds. Depending on how long the fuse is, you have between three and 12 seconds to make it a safe distance away, Apel said. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
