Fireworks Warning Issued Ahead Of 4th Of July In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — As Independence Day approaches, Ocean County officials are advising residents to be cautious when handling fireworks and other explosive devices.

According to a news release from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, more than 2,000 children are injured by fireworks nationwide each year, with a large percentage of those injuries occurring around the Fourth of July.

“Many of our communities have exciting fireworks displays planned for the July Fourth holiday,” said Barbara Jo Crea, director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “I encourage our families and visitors alike to enjoy one or more of these professionally arranged spectacular shows.”

Though it's legal to purchase some fireworks in New Jersey, even these devices can pose a serious safety risk. According to Crea, children may be tempted by colorful packages of fireworks displayed in stores as the holiday approaches.

“If you insist on buying legal fireworks, please follow the safety instructions carefully and keep the items away from small children,” she said.

Alongside legally purchased fireworks, Gary Quinn, deputy director of the Board of Commissioners, said traveling out-of-state and bringing the devices back to New Jersey can carry heavy penalties.

“The kinds of fireworks common in other states are often not legal to possess or use in New Jersey,” Quinn said.

As Independence Day approaches, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has put out a list of safety tips on handling common fireworks:

• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of an accident or fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time and quickly move to a safe distance.
• Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hand.
• Do not pick up or attempt to re-light fireworks that fail to work.