Atlantic City reminds residents of fireworks rules

An increase in calls about fireworks sparked Atlantic City to put out a reminder on what the law is concerning their use.
Atlantic City, along with surrounding towns, including Egg Harbor Township, have seen constant calls about near-nightly fireworks.
"The use of fireworks, especially during the evening hours, is causing a disturbance in the lives of our residents and their pets," Atlantic City's leaders said in a news release. "In an effort to combat this trend, education is an important tool."
While some fireworks are now legally sold in the state, not all are legal.
Aerial consumer fireworks are prohibited.
It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, possess or use fireworks, other than certain sparkling devices and novelties, without a valid permit within New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Those 16 or older can lawfully buy, possess and use certain sparkling devices and novelties.
These permissible fireworks are limited to hand held or ground based sparklers, snakes, and glow worms; smoke devices; and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers and drop pops.
Those in violation are subject to arrest.

Each year, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission releases a detailed report regarding firework statistics. Information contained in their 2019 Fireworks Annual Report includes:

• An estimated 10,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency departments with approximately 7,300 occurring between June 21, 2019 and July 21, 2019.
• Nearly half of the estimated injuries were in those 20 or younger.
• Children younger than 15 accounted for 36 percent of the estimated injuries.
• An estimated 900 injuries were associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle rockets.
• The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (30 percent), legs (23 percent), eyes (15 percent), and head, face, and ears (16 percent).
• ·Burns accounted for 57 percent of the injuries and were the most common injury to all parts of the body except the eyes, where contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye occurred more frequently.
• Most patients were treated at the emergency department and then released.

It is the responsibility of the person using legal fireworks to do so in a safe manner that does not jeopardize the safety and well-being of themselves, those around them or property, the release said.
Members of the community are urged to report the use of illegal fireworks by calling 911 or anonymously texting tip411 (847411), beginning with ACPD.