As Firework Season Approaches, Safety Is Critical
Jun 05, 2015 06:54PM ● By Carol Hendrycks
It’s a great time of year for celebrating summer holidays with firework displays, and a time for consumers purchasing legal fireworks to be reminded to keep their homes, neighborhoods, pets and community safe. Holladay City Council recognizes and will observe the recommended fireworks restrictions addressed by Assistant Chief Marty Slack from the Unified Fire Department for the City of Holladay during the city council meeting on May 9. Restrictions from 2014 continue, which include no aerial fireworks permitted in Holladay and limited to eight feet for ground fireworks (Ordinance 2014-07).
As a reminder, the National Council on Fireworks, on their website www.fireworkssafety.org, reminds consumers handling and using fireworks of these other important safety tips:
• Only use fireworks outdoors in areas free of overhead obstructions and away from dry grass or other flammable materials• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks• Never give fireworks to young children• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks• Always have a bucket of water, and charged water hose, nearby• Dispose of spent product by wetting it down and placing it in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until morning
Holladay residents look forward to a safe July Fourth celebration that kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a parade, breakfast and ending at dark with a fireworks display at 10:10 p.m. (Fireworks restrictions do not apply for this event). While the holidays are a time for celebration, one Holladay resident living on Meadowmoor Road says her experience with fireworks has only continued to get louder since moving to the area in 2011. The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, has witnessed more illegal fireworks every year that start in June and don’t end until September, while little attention is paid to enforcing restrictions. She has had issues connecting with 911 to report large smoldering caps landing in her yard, and without fail she rescues several dogs running from the fireworks. It is of great concern to her that neighbors be mindful when handling fireworks, where they light fireworks, and to be better informed about the associated risks that endanger pets agitated by the loud blasts. Dogs do not share the love of fireworks with people and are highly sensitive to the noise, bright lights and the sulfur smell. Fortunately, she says, she was able to secure runaway dogs with the help of her next-door neighbor and Salt Lake County Animal Services.
For more information, visit www.cityofholladay.com to locate a map for firework restrictions and a link to the ordinance. For animal rescue, contact Salt Lake County Animal Service’s dispatch number at 801-743-7045.
