MONROE - An illegal firework is anything that flies into the air, explodes or shoots out objects other than showers of sparks, according to Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley.
Anyone who possesses or uses illegal fireworks can be fined up to $170.
"Parents who allow the use of illegal fireworks by their child face potential fines of up to $1,000, and face liability for any damages caused by their child's use of fireworks," Kelley said.
The police department inspects fireworks stands in Monroe to make sure that no illegal fireworks are being sold, he said. A conviction for selling illegal fireworks carries fines of $501 to $1,000, and the products will be seized. Each year, violations are found, and a warning generally takes care of the problem, he said.
Kelley said people should be careful if they use smoke bombs, sparklers, cones and fountains, which are legal.
"Parents should supervise to insure there are no unexpected explosions, no accidents with matches or lighters, and that hot wires from used sparklers are not handled improperly. Some of these are still hundreds of degrees hot immediately after use," he said.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety tips for fireworks include:
• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances.
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
Anyone who possesses or uses illegal fireworks can be fined up to $170.
"Parents who allow the use of illegal fireworks by their child face potential fines of up to $1,000, and face liability for any damages caused by their child's use of fireworks," Kelley said.
The police department inspects fireworks stands in Monroe to make sure that no illegal fireworks are being sold, he said. A conviction for selling illegal fireworks carries fines of $501 to $1,000, and the products will be seized. Each year, violations are found, and a warning generally takes care of the problem, he said.
Kelley said people should be careful if they use smoke bombs, sparklers, cones and fountains, which are legal.
"Parents should supervise to insure there are no unexpected explosions, no accidents with matches or lighters, and that hot wires from used sparklers are not handled improperly. Some of these are still hundreds of degrees hot immediately after use," he said.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety tips for fireworks include:
• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances.
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.