MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 30, 2004

FIREWORKS LEGALITY AND SAFETY

Frederick, Md. --- 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.

· Never give fireworks to young children.
· Always purchase fireworks from reliable sources.
· Follow label directions carefully.
· Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
· Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.
· Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
· Light them one at a time then move back quickly.
· Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
· Observe local laws and use common sense.
· Sparklers, fountains and other items that many states allow for use by consumers are not appropriate when a large crowd is present.
· If attending a community display, leave your own fireworks at home -- there will be plenty of excitement provided by the display.

For more information please contact Bill Douwes, 301-631-2797.