Use Fireworks Safely

Be mindful, courteous and follow the law Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day safely, and to take steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and property from potential fireworks injuries or damage. "Please consider leaving the fireworks displays to the professionals, as many commercial fireworks displays are returning this year," Mr. Hughes said. "If you are planning to purchase and use fireworks, be considerate of your neighbors and pets regarding noise and hazards, and follow local laws and guidance." In 2018 alone, there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The largest number of injuries (36%) involved children under the age of 15, and about half of the reported injuries were burns. The head, eyes, face, or ears were most frequently impacted.

Fireworks Safety Tips from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety: 

Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safety

• Only buy from reputable places.
• Don't buy if packaging is damaged or appears tampered with.
• Don't try and "fix" broken or "dud" fireworks.
• While non-aerial fireworks may be legal, they can still burn you. Temperatures of one sparkler can reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and are not toys for children.
• Never use indoors.
• Always have water handy and follow manufacturer's instructions.
• NEVER relight a "dud" firework and wait 20 minutes to dispose of properly. 

 Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safe Disposal

• Completely soak used or "dud" fireworks in a bucket of water and allow them to soak overnight.
• Double-wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help keep them from drying out.
• Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage. 

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LEGAL in New Jersey:

• A wood stick or wire sparkler of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item;
• A hand held or ground based sparkling device which is non-explosive and non-aerial, which may produce a crackling or whistling effect, and contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; and
• Snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, which include party poppers, snappers, and drop pops, each consisting of 25/100 grains or less of explosive mixture.

ILLEGAL in New Jersey:

• All consumer fireworks not specifically permitted including torpedoes, firecrackers, skyrockets, aerial devices and fireworks containing yellow or white phosphorous or mercury.