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Lynnwood Police Department
Fireworks in Lynnwood |
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It’s OK to have a blast in Lynnwood on the Fourth of
July – as long as you’re safe and abide by the law. This Fourth of July, be sure your family is prepared to
have a safe and fun holiday. A great way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a local
celebration. 2009 marked the “Last Blast” of Lynnwood’s Star Spangled
Celebration so citizens will have to travel to view an aerial display this
year. Fortunately, you don’t have go far. The cities of Edmonds, Everett,
Kenmore, Seattle and Bellevue will all be hosting aerial fireworks displays that
are open to the public. Information about many of these events is available at
www.snohomish.org
on the events calendar. All fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. Each year there are hundreds of injuries from fireworks in Washington State and nationally. Legal fireworks were responsible for nearly half of all injuries. Of the incidents involving legal fireworks, sparklers, which many parents feel safe allowing a child to use, caused 24 percent of the injuries. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks. But if you plan to use fireworks, use the following safety tips:
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Fireworks can be discharged within the city
limits of Lynnwood from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4 only. · Buy locally to be sure that you have purchased legal fire works. · If it blows-up (explodes) or goes-up (shoots like a rocket) it is illegal. · Only adults should light fireworks. Do not overestimate your child’s ability to use good judgment. · If a device doesn’t launch correctly DO NOT LOOK INTO THE TUBE. Serious injuries and death have occurred from this. Put it out with water and dispose of it. · Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass. · Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly. · Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks. · Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. · Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it. · Don’t store fireworks in plastic bags, static in the bags can ignite flash powder used in some fireworks. Don’t forget about your pets · If you can, stay home with your pets on the Fourth of July. · Encourage calm behavior with praise and attention. (Don’t try to soothe and comfort a scared dog, it will only increase the problem. Instead be cheerful and in control.) · Keep your dog indoors if you cannot be at home. · Put the dog in an interior room that is safe and familiar. · Make sure your dog is well identified in case of escape. (For example: updated micro chipping and a collar and tag.) · Cat owners should also keep their cats indoors.
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Rabbits and other caged animals should be safely
secured in a garage or outbuilding,
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Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a
different location during fireworks displays in the area. Also, remove sharp
objects and be sure stable windows are covered. Enforcement of illegal use of fireworks range from confiscation of all fireworks materials to being charged with a felony. Unlawful sale or discharge of fireworks is a misdemeanor (fine up to $500). Unlawful possession of fireworks, depending on the type, could range from a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000) to a class C felony ($5,000 with possible jail time), if in possession of an illegal explosive device (IED). In case of emergency, or to request the Lynnwood Fire and/ or Police departments for a fireworks violation, dial 911.
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