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MEDIA
ADVISORY
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Mayor:
Jennifer P. Dougherty
CONTACT:
Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 1, 2003
FIREWORKS
LEGALITY AND SAFETY
The
Frederick Police Department encourages citizens to celebrate
the 4th of July - but do so safely and responsibly.
In
the State of Maryland only gold label sparklers and
ground based sparkling devices, such as fountains and
cones, are legal. The device must have its only fuse
on top, be a stationary ground device, and also must
display the name of the device, a safety warning, and
instructions for proper use. All explosive, flying,
or propelled fireworks are illegal. (In Baltimore City,
Prince George's County, and Montgomery County all forms
of fireworks, including sparklers, are not legal.)
Illegal
devices such as M80s, M100s and silver salutes have
been federally banned since 1966 because of the large
amounts of illegal explosives they contain. Illegal
explosive devices are extremely dangerous and can cause
serious injuries.
If
you choose to use consumer fireworks to celebrate this
year's 4th of July festivities, remember the following
safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities.
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Never
give fireworks to young children.
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Always
purchase fireworks from reliable sources.
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Follow
label directions carefully.
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Never
point or throw fireworks at another person.
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Use
fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings
and vehicles.
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Never
carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in
metal or glass containers.
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Light them one at a time then move back quickly.
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Don't
experiment with homemade fireworks.
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Observe
local laws and use common sense.
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Sparklers,
fountains and other items that many states allow
for use by consumers are not appropriate when a
large crowd is present.
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If attending a community display, leave your own
fireworks at home -- there will be plenty of excitement
provided by the display.
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For more information please contact Bill Douwes at 301
631-2797.
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