Safety First During July 4 Celebration

Detroit, MI - --"The July 4th celebration with fireworks can and should be a safe and happy holiday if citizens observe a few simple precautions," stresses Michigan's chief investigator of explosives crimes. Michael W. Morrissey, Division Director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in Michigan is calling on citizens to practice fireworks safety, ensuring that the July 4 holiday is a celebration, not a tragedy.

"Buy fireworks from vendors who operate openly and welcome visits by fire departments and police," Morrissey recommends. "Don't buy from people who approach you on the street. Too often they sell deadly, illegal explosive devices that may explode prematurely in your hand or pocket."

ATF investigates crimes committed with explosives; including the sale of illegal explosive devices with street names like "M80" and "quarter stick". The devices resemble firecrackers but are unstable bombs. Typically, they are cardboard tubes fitted with fuses and packed with explosive materials. Tubes are one to six inches long and a half-inch to an inch or more in diameter. Common colors are red, silver and brown. Prices range from less than $1 each to whatever the traffic will bear. These devices meet no safety standards. Heat, shock or pressure can trigger an accidental detonation. All of the illegal devices -- from the smallest "M80" to the largest "quarter stick" -- have maimed and killed young children and adults. The public is urged to help expose traffickers of these illegal devices by calling the ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

The illegal devices should not be confused with common fireworks - legal in some states. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates common fireworks. These fireworks contain a trace of pyrotechnic material, are labeled, identify the producer, and come with safety precautions.

An analysis prepared by the CPSC reveals that last year, hospital emergency rooms treated about 11,000 people for fireworks-related injuries, somewhat higher than in 1999, when there were 8,500 injuries. The increase was largely a result of increased fireworks activities for the millennium celebrations, both at the fourth of July and in January. Prior to the millennium, injuries had decreased significantly from the highs of 1992-94, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. From 1994 through 1999, there was a decrease in fireworks injuries by one third, to 8,500 in 1999.

The Michigan Penal Code (Fireworks Law - Act 328, P.A. 1931, As Amended) states that it is illegal to sell, possess, transport, or use fireworks in Michigan without a permit. Exceptions to the code are devices that can be legally used by consumers within the State of Michigan include flat paper caps, toy trick noisemakers, flitter sparklers, fountains, and toy snakes. Devices that make a loud bang, or leave the ground, spin or twirl are prohibited under state law.

"The American flag, parades, and fireworks are all part of our tradition and celebration of independence during the July 4th holiday", states Morrissey. He encourages Michigan residents to enjoy the holiday and the tradition of fireworks activities by letting the professionals put on the displays. "Many local communities are having fireworks displays. Rather than risk the chance of an accident and serious injury to family and friends, just sit back and enjoy the show."

Attached:
Illegal Explosive Devices
Safety Precautions for Legal Fireworks