Community Corner
City Urges Residents to “Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Responsible” on July 4
Fireworks require personal responsibility this Independence Day, say officials.
As the nation looks forward to Independence Day, the City of Mercer Island urges citizens to take all precautions to avoid fireworks-related injuries and accidents.
According to the 2011 Fireworks Report<http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/docs/fireworks/fw_statistical_report.pdf> released by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, there were 264 fireworks‐related fires, and 212 injuries, reported in 2011, many involving unsupervised children.
“While Mercer Island has a low history of damage and injury, we all need to be extra careful and follow safety practices,” said Mercer Island Fire Chief Chris Tubbs.
At a recent council meeting, City Councilman Mike Grady warned residents to be wary of the dangers fireworks can pose and complained that they are occasionally used to damage local mailboxes and the debris that is left behind causes litter.
Mercer Island Rules & Regulations
Discharge of legal “consumer” fireworks is allowable one day only on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fireworks are prohibited in all parks and school district properties. Only legal devices may be used; a list of legal and illegal devices is posted to the City website’s Fireworks Safety<http://www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=2735> page. Ensure you are using legal fireworks by purchasing them from state-licensed stands. Fire crackers, bottle rockets, missiles, and rockets are not legal on Mercer Island; fireworks are on sale in Mercer Island from June 27 to July 4.
Stay Safe with the “Three Bs” of Fireworks Safety
- Be prepared: have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be safe: only adults should light fireworks; do not hold them in your hand
- Be responsible: clean up fireworks and debris; be wary of duds.
Visit the State Fire Marshal website<http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm> for more information.
Public Fireworks Displays and Celebrations
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display. The City encourages residents to celebrate safely by enjoying the community’s annual fireworks display at Luther Burbank Park on July 13 as part of the Summer Celebration festivities. For more information visit: www.mercergov.org/fireworks<http://www.mercergov.org/fireworks>.
Fireworks Disposal in Mercer Island
The Mercer Island Fire and Police Departments work in partnership to provide fireworks disposal services to the community. Citizens should transport fireworks to either Fire Station 91 (downtown), or to the Police Department at City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
Do not store or transport fireworks in plastic bags as they can create static electricity which can result in an ignition source for the fireworks. Fireworks should be separated and stored in paper bags. Do not put unused fireworks in water. Due to the chemicals involved, putting old fireworks in water actually increases their instability and can result in premature and unexpected ignition.
Emergency Assistance: Dial 911
To request assistance or in case of emergency, please dial 911. The Mercer Island Police Department will have more officers than usual on duty on July 4 for the protection of the community; however, calls should go through the 911 system.
For more information, contact the Mercer Island Fire Department at (206) 275-7607.
(Ed. Note: The information above is from a city press release.)
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