MARGATE – Since the State of New Jersey amended its Explosives and Fireworks Act in 2017, tents have popped up in parking lots along major arteries where consumers over 16 can purchase non-explosive fireworks and sparklers.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks this Independence Day is to go to the beach where the Margate Mothers Association sponsors a professional fireworks display at 9 p.m. The city will close off a section of the beach at Huntington Avenue to allow the fireworks to be set up on July 3. Ventnor City is inviting spectators to view the fireworks from the Ventnor Fishing Pier. Free admission will be provided.
A 9-year-old Philadelphia girl was critically injured Sunday after she lit an M-80 firework, considered illegal, in her home, blowing off several of her fingers and leaving her covered in blood.
Margate’s Fire Chief Dan Adams distributed flyers last week advising residents to be cautious when using fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers, especially near children, and should only be handled trained professionals.
Fireworks cause about 18,000 fires a year and sparklers, which burn at 1200 degrees and can cause third-degree burns, account for 25% of fireworks injuries seen in hospital emergency rooms.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 65% of all fireworks injuries occur on the 4th of July holiday; 1,100 injuries occurred nationwide last year causing burns to eyes, face, hands and ears; and 31% of the injuries were to children under 15.
In New Jersey, those who are 16 or older can purchase, possess and use hand-held or ground-based sparklers, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers and drop pops. Everything else that shoots 12 feet or higher requires a permit approved by the police chief. Although there are fines for violations, the real penalty is having a loved one maimed or injured by the exploding devices.
In addition to the professional fireworks display being launched at Huntington Avenue beach in Margate, there are several other holiday displays planned at Atlantic City casinos, including outside the Borgata and at Tropicana, where fireworks are also launched at 10 p.m. every Saturday, May through September. Ocean City is also planning a fireworks display 9 p.m. at the Music Pier.
