July 2023 | Fireworks Safety Tips

Happy 4^th of July from the Winter Springs Police Department!

Firework Safety

The Winter Springs Police Department is excited to celebrate Independence Day as it is a day that fills all of our hearts with great pride and patriotism. As we celebrate this July 4^th, please keep these things in mind:

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal, but they are not safe.

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.

Fireworks Safety Tips: If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks

If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
Never light them indoors
Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back, and let the experts handle the fireworks show.

Sparklers Are Dangerous

Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.

For more info visit https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks

Also please familiarize yourself with Winter Springs code and state law in regards to fireworks.

Winter Springs Code Sec. 7-27. - Regulation of explosives.

No person(s) shall discharge or detonate, nor allow the discharge or detonation of any illegal fireworks, as defined by Section 791-01, Florida Statutes, dynamite or any other explosive at any time within the city limits without the express permission of both the fire and police departments.

This may turn into an educational issue on scene, as the statute as written does not supersede any local government regulations. We will not seize or confiscate anyone’s fireworks. Below is the statute that you could use if necessary.

Florida State Statute 791.08 Use during designated holidays; exemption.—

(1) As used in this section, the term “designated holiday” means:

(a) New Year’s Day, January 1;

(b) Independence Day, July 4; or

(2) This chapter does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday. This section is not intended to provide for the comprehensive regulation of fireworks as described in s. 10(5), chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida, or to supersede any local governmental regulation relating to the use of fireworks as provided in s. 10(5), chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida.

(3) The Legislature does not intend for the application of this section to supersede any prohibition against the use of fireworks contained within a legally executed and properly recorded declaration of covenants or covenant running with the land of any homeowners’ association pursuant to chapter 720. However, a homeowners’ association, through a board of directors, may not promulgate rules that attempt to abrogate a homeowner’s right to use fireworks during a designated holiday or under general law.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2020-11.

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

“Finding that your vehicle has been stolen can be a stressful event,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Acting Administrator. “Vehicle theft is driven by money and greed, a dangerous business that victimizes everyone, but fortunately, drivers can take precautions to reduce the risk of it happening.”

As a driver, you can take steps to keep your vehicle and belongings safe. Here are ways you can help prevent motor vehicle theft.

Park in well-lit areas.
Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
Put away your valuables.
Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
Remember to lock your vehicle every time you walk away to prevent vehicle theft.

For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft. For additional resources, visit the FBI — Motor Vehicle Theft page.

Community Youth Outreach

Enjoy the summer with the Winter Springs Police Department!

The Winter Springs Police Department is hosting the Community Youth Outreach program with the aim to build stronger relationships through positive experiences and interaction with local law enforcement! This program will consist of 4 weeks of activities, Monday - Friday, where children can learn, laugh, and play with WSPD's Community Relations.

Program Dates & Registration

2023 July dates: July 3, 6 and 7 | July 17 - July 21

All CYO activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Torcaso Park at 104 N. Moss Rd. Lunch and water will be provided.

Sign-up will take place on-site each day and is open to children ages 5 to 15 years old. Parents will need to register child(ren) and sign waivers the first time they participate. Child(ren) must be signed in and out daily.

School Supply Drive

The Winter Springs Police Department are accepting new, unopened school supplies for our annual School Supply Drive through July 21st. We are in need of spiral notebooks (wide and college ruled), composition notebooks (wide and college ruled), crayons, markers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens (blue, black and red), 3-prong folders, glue sticks, 1” binders, loose leaf paper (wide and college ruled), dry erase markers, rulers, pencil cases, and scissors. Your donations can be dropped off in the school supply donation box in the lobby of the Police Department located at 300 North Moss Road. More information on this event will be forthcoming as the collection time draws near.

Help the Winter Springs Police Department:

Be a crime stopper, not a victim. Lock your car and report suspicious activity.

Emergency

911

Non-Emergency

407-327-1000