The Hoboken Police and Fire Departments are urging residents to celebrate the 4th of July safely, urging against the illegal use of aerial consumer fireworks.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
In New Jersey, it is illegal to light aerial consumer fireworks including sky and bottle rockets, firecrackers, reloadable shell devices, and roman candles, among others.
Those found guilty of purchasing, using, discharging, or igniting prohibited fireworks without a required permit face penalties including jail time and fines of up to $500.
State law does allow for personal use of ground-based novelties and non-aerial sparkling devices, but residents are advised to leave all firework usage to professionals.
According to the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, hand-held sparklers can reach a temperature of approximately 1,200 degrees making them extremely dangerous and for adult use only.
Those who choose to buy and use legal ground-based fireworks and novelties are advised to use extreme caution and follow recommended guidelines, including:
• Only buy legal devices from reputable retail outlets.
• Never allow children to handle any kind of fireworks.
• Never use these devices indoors.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire.
