Ocean County officials are urging residents and visitors to take caution this Fourth of July and leave activities like fireworks to professionals.
"We all enjoy fireworks spectaculars and there are plenty of professional displays being held throughout the county this year," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Tourism Advisory Council. "Please do not put the safety of yourself or anyone else in jeopardy. My colleagues and I on the Board of Freeholders recommend you attend the public displays provided and do not try to attempt to set up your own."
For instance, for many years Beachwood has sponsored "Fireworks on the Toms River" and more recently bordering municipalities have joined in to make this one of the most extravagant Fourth of July fireworks display in the county, according to a press release.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2003 there were 9,700 people treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half of the injuries were burns and most involved the hands, eyes and head.
"The safety of our community is extremely important to this board," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, director of law and public safety. "We urge everyone to enjoy this holiday in the safest way possible."
Improper or illegal use of fireworks can result in deaths, blindings, amputations and severe burns."Plain and simple, fireworks are illegal in New Jersey," said Ocean County Prosecutor Thomas F. Kelaher. "Anyone possessing illegal fireworks can be charged with a disorderly persons violation and can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to six months."
The following is a list of some local fireworks displays scheduled in Ocean County:
• Brick Township, July 1 – Fireworks at Windward Beach, Princeton Avenue, will begin at dusk following a concert.
• Jackson, July 3 – Fireworks at Johnson Park, Cooks Bridge Road and Manhattan Street, will begin at 9 p.m. Rain date July 5.
• Lakewood, July 3 – Fireworks at Lake Carasaljo, Route 9, begin at 8:30 p.m.
• Plumsted, July 3 – Fireworks at New Egypt High School, Evergreen Road, begin at dusk.
• Point Pleasant Beach, July 4 – Fireworks at Jenkinson’s Beach, Ocean Avenue,. begin at dusk.
• Seaside Heights, July 4 – Oceanfront, fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
• Lacey Township, July 3 – Lacey Township High School, Haines Road. Fireworks begin at dusk.
• Dover Township and Beachwood, July 4 – Fireworks on the Toms River will begin at dusk. Recommended viewing sites are anywhere along the water’s edge.
• Lavallette, July 4, – Fireworks will begin at dusk at the Gazebo grounds on Bay Boulevard and Philadelphia Avenue.