MANCHESTER – Now that the summer season is finally upon us at the Jersey Shore, authorities want to remind residents about the use of prohibited fireworks.
The Manchester Township Police Department recently released a statement explaining how they often receive complaints about fireworks during this time of year.
“Not only is this a safety concern, this is also a quality-of-life issue for your neighbors, including pets,” Manchester Police said.
Police also want to remind residents of the following ordinances regarding loud noises and fireworks:
- 275-10 Noise prohibited: It shall be unlawful for a person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary, offensive or unusual noise or any noise which does or is likely to annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others.
- 288-17 Fireworks: No person shall possess, discharge, or set off within a township park or public lands any firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets, or other fireworks.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has published the following guide to permitted sparkling devices and prohibited aerial fireworks as well as firework safety tips:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
