A list of counties where the sale of sparkling devices is legal is here

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the Department of Health today, reminded New Yorkers that if sparkling devices are legal to purchase and use in your county, be sure to follow a few common sense safety tips to have a safe and memorable July 4^th celebration and to note where and when this class of fireworks are able to be sold and used throughout the state. Certain sparkling and novelty devices are the only consumer fireworks that are legal in certain parts of New York State and sales in these counties are prohibited to anyone under 18 years of age.

“Summer is meant for fun, family and festivities,” said DHSES Commissioner John Melville. “It is important to understand the risks involved with all types of fireworks, and to take all safety precautions when using legal sparkling devices in New York State. The easiest way to stay safe this July 4^th is to leave the fireworks displays to the experts.”

State Fire Administrator Bryant Stevens, who heads the Division's Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), said, “Since 2015, the sale of certain sparkling devices have become legal in many counties in New York State.  It is important to understand that even through the sale and use of these types of fireworks is legal, they can cause severe injuries and property damage if not handled properly. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and always remember that fireworks are dangerous if not used properly.”

“Fireworks certainly add to the celebration of our national holiday, but it’s absolutely essential that people use these devices safely,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. “We prefer that people attend fireworks shows done by professionals. If they live in a county that now permits sparkling devices, we want people to be extra careful when using them.”

Since 2015, certain types of sparkling devices are legal to sell only in counties and cities that have enacted a local law and only by certified permanent and specialty retailers from June 1 to July 5 and December 26 to January 1. Certified temporary stands or tents can sell sparkling devices from June 20 to July 5 and December 26 to January 1. All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide. Additionally, all consumer fireworks, including sparkling devices, remain fully prohibited in the City of New York.

Fireworks can cause devastating burns and injuries and even death. Sparklers burn at approximately 2,000 degrees. In 2013, there were 8 deaths and 11,400 reported injuries in the United States related to fireworks. Sparklers accounted for 31% of these injuries. Many of these injuries were to people under the age of 18. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

According to the New York State Department of Health, there were 63 hospitalizations and 230 emergency room visits in New York between 2011 and 2013, for injuries related to fireworks. With some jurisdictions just now allowing sparkling devices, many people may be using these items for the first time.

Remember, it is always better to leave the fireworks displays up to the experts, but if sparkling devices are legal to purchase in your county and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

• Always follow the directions located on the packaging
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• All sparklers are for outdoor use only, never use indoors
• Always wear eye protection when using sparklers
• Never light more than one sparkler at a time
• Never point a sparkler tube towards anyone or any part of your body
• Keep sparklers and novelty devices in a safe secure location when not in use
• Never use sparklers when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby during a display
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Douse malfunctioning and spent devices with water before discarding to prevent a fire
• Purchase sparklers and novelty devices from New York State registered retailers only.

 For more information on the sale and use of sparkling devices in New York State, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Service’s website at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm

About OFPC:

OFPC delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The Office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations and technical rescue programs. The timely delivery of these essential services enables the Office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.

About DHSES:

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its four offices -- Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications --  provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.