Long Beach Police Cmdr. Josef Levy issued a warning Wednesday that all fireworks, even the so-called "Safe and Sane" variety, are illegal in Long Beach.
The commander said any fireworks, even "sparklers," have proved dangerous and caused numerous injuries, many inflicted on children, in recent years.
The commander cited the following federal statistics:
-- U.S. hospitals treated more than 9,500 fireworks-related injuries in 2004.
-- Half those injuries happened to children under the age of 15.
-- "Sparklers accounted for the most injuries (1,500) and for half the injuries to children under five years old.
-- Firecrackers accounted for 1,000 injuries that year.
-- The most common injuries were to hands (1,800), eyes, (1,200) and the head/face/ear area (1,000).
The National Council on Fireworks Safety cites a decrease in fireworks injury rates for the past several years and says the main reason for the decrease is the increased popularity of professional fireworks shows.
Levy encouraged Long Beach residents to check their local newspapers for times and locations of local shows noting they are "both safe and amazing."
The commander said any fireworks, even "sparklers," have proved dangerous and caused numerous injuries, many inflicted on children, in recent years.
The commander cited the following federal statistics:
-- U.S. hospitals treated more than 9,500 fireworks-related injuries in 2004.
-- Half those injuries happened to children under the age of 15.
-- "Sparklers accounted for the most injuries (1,500) and for half the injuries to children under five years old.
-- Firecrackers accounted for 1,000 injuries that year.
-- The most common injuries were to hands (1,800), eyes, (1,200) and the head/face/ear area (1,000).
The National Council on Fireworks Safety cites a decrease in fireworks injury rates for the past several years and says the main reason for the decrease is the increased popularity of professional fireworks shows.
Levy encouraged Long Beach residents to check their local newspapers for times and locations of local shows noting they are "both safe and amazing."
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