Press Releases - OcalaPD.com

Fourth of July
The Ocala Police Department wants everyone to enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July.
As we enter into the Fourth of July weekend, the Ocala Police Department wants to remind its citizens, and those coming into the City of Ocala to celebrate the holiday, of safety in regards to fireworks. We also want to remind everyone of the City Ordinances in regards to fireworks, so that everyone can have a safe and law abiding holiday. Listed below is information release by the Centers for Disease Control: All fireworks have the potential to be dangerous “… in 2009 there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries resulting from fireworks related incidents. Most fireworks injuries occurred to consumers younger than 20 and resulted in the loss of a limb in many cases.” “Burns and lacerations to the hands, the face and the head were the most frequently reported injuries. More than half of the injuries during this time period were related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.” http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/media/press/2010releases/062910.shtm Some general rules of thumb for those who choose to purchase legal fireworks are: • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. • Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers. • Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals. • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting. • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. • Light one item at a time then move back quickly. • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. • After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire. The City Ordinance, Article IV Fireworks, Sparklers and Similar Devices, Sections 38-151 to 38-158 is very important for City residents to be aware of, as well as those planning to come into the City of Ocala to celebrate the holiday. This Ordinance can be accessed at: http://library8.municode.com/default-now/home.htm?infobase=10003&doc_action=whatsnew Happy Fourth of July Ocala! Enjoy the holiday and be safe.
Posted on Jul 02, 2010 14:40pm by ascroble (Return to Articles)

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