Boca Raton, FL – 
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is urging Palm Beach County residents to think about safety as they make plans to celebrate the “Fourth of July.”
Every year thousands of people and animals are killed or critically injured by fireworks. Keeping horses and pets comfortable is important! Know where they feel safe and check to be sure your fields and stalls are free from hazard. If necessary, contact your veterinarian and inquire about giving horses or pets a sedative to help keep them from hurting themselves. Take the time to check all fence lines and door latches to insure pets cannot get loose.Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime, for that reason.“FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL TO USE WITHOUT A PERMIT.”
Some of the illegal fireworks prohibited for normal resale are as follows:
– Common Bottle Rockets – Firecrackers (Rolls) – Standard Fireworks
– M80’s with Mortar – M80’s – Projectile Fireworks
– Launchable Rockets with Stands
(The above listed items are only a few samples commonly purchased by people that are prohibited for sale.)
– WARNING –
YOU SHOULD NOT SIGN “WAIVERS” in order to purchase fireworks. A “waiver” will not clear you of responsibility should you be caught using illegal fireworks. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing the use of illegal fireworks. Using fireworks illegally is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
If you are using “legal” sparklers, novelties and trick noisemakers there is still a risk of injury. When lit, some sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees, which are at least 200 degrees hotter than standard butane lighter.
Follow these precautions to celebrate safely:
- Use sparklers and other “legal” novelties on a flat, hard surface. Do not light them on grass.
- Use sparklers in an open area. Keep children and pets at least 30 feet away from all ignited fireworks. Also keep in mind that livestock such as horses, cows, etc. can also be frightened by fireworks.
- Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a dud.
- Don’t purchase or use any unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies.
Remember: “IF IT LAUNCHES OR EXPLODES, IT IS OFF LIMITS.”
Reminder – during extreme drought there is a heightened chance of fires.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office wishes you a safe “Fourth of July”