DOS
July 02, 2020
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New York State Division of Consumer Protection Offers New York Consumers Safe Celebration Tips This 4th of JulyIn Light of COVID-19, Independence Day Activities Should Follow All Necessary Health Guidance to Ensure Everyone’s Safety Taking Necessary Precautions Can be Life Saving Actions for Outdoor Celebrati |
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The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today reminded New Yorkers to keep safe while celebrating Independence Day. The celebration of the 4th of July is a time-honored summer tradition of family outdoor fun, grilled food, and fireworks. However, it could also be dangerous if New Yorkers do not take the necessary precautions to have a safe and enjoyable time. All Independence Day celebrations must follow all applicable state guidance and take place in accordance with the state’s phased-in, regional reopening plan as detailed in the NY Forward website. DCP partners with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in its year-round efforts to educate consumers to help prevent accidents and injuries. Between 2012 and 2019, the CPSC received reports of 126 fireworks-related deaths. In 2019, the CPSC estimated 10,000 fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries, with 73 percent of them occurring between June 21 and July 21. “I know many New Yorkers are eager to celebrate Independence Day this year, but we must ensure our celebrations are safe by following the necessary health precautions,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado who oversees the NYS Division of Consumer Protection. “Not only do we want to keep our COVID-19 infection rate low, we want to make sure time-honored holiday traditions of fireworks and grilling are done safely by following basic tips.” New York State permits the sale of sparkling devices by registered sellers from June 1 until July 5 annually and allows consumers 18 or older to use sparkling devices. Currently, sparkling devices are illegal in the City of New York, and Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange (prohibited in the Cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Queens, Richmond, Schenectady, Suffolk, and Westchester. In 2019, sparklers accounted for more than half of the total estimated injuries for children under the age of 5. It is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to use sparkling devices in New York State. Sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke. They do not launch into the air. Any other types of fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices are illegal and remain illegal statewide. Tips for Using Fireworks Safely:
Tips for Using Outdoor Grills Safely: Before lighting the grill do a safety check.
Once the grill’s lit.
To learn more about consumer safety, or to file a marketplace consumer complaint against a business or individual, please contact the Division’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 697-1220 or visit its website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. Follow the Division of Consumer Protection on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer. ### |
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