This year Long Islanders are eager to enjoy the 4th of July holiday weekend after being cooped up and masked for over a year. Fortunately, now that New York has reached a 70% vaccinated population, restrictions like social distancing, masks, and limits on crowd sizes have all been lifted. This alongside a three-day holiday weekend will hopefully bring enjoyment and connection.
While celebrating, keep in mind that fireworks are illegal in New York State. As such, fireworks should only be detonated by professionals. According to the Suffolk County Police Department: In 2012, an estimated 8,700 people required emergency room treatment due to fireworks-related injuries. Between 2000 and 2012, 86 people have died from fireworks-related injuries. More than half of all fireworks-related injuries are burns. Children younger than 15 years old account for 30% of fireworks-related injuries. Keep children and young adults away from fireworks.
If you want to watch a fireworks show on Independence Day, Jones Beach State Park will be hosting a “Fireworks Spectacular,” along with music at 9:30pm. The fireworks are included in the regular price of park admission.
If you insist on handling fireworks at home, small ground-based and hand-held devices commonly referred to as “sparklers” are legal in New York State. Although legal and smaller in size, sparklers are dangerous. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees. Children under the age of five (5) account for nearly half of the total injuries from sparklers. Never allow small children or those uncoordinated or irresponsible to handle sparklers.
With all of this in mind, we hope that you have fun and enjoy the long 4th of July weekend!
Law Offices of Jennifer G. Tocci, P.C., 353 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 200, Commack, New York, 11725. (631) 343-7676 // info@toccilaw.com.
