PRESS RELEASE

July 1, 2004

Contact(s): William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
District Attorney's Office

Pat Wilks (718) 816-2049
Borough President's Office

D. A. Donovan, B.P. Molinaro Remind Staten Islanders:
"Leave Fireworks to the Professionals"

STATEN ISLAND, NY - "A hospital emergency room is no place to spend the Fourth of July," stated Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. in reminding Staten Islanders of the dangers of private use of fireworks. "Fireworks are not only illegal in New York, they are also dangerous. Even in the hands of professionals, fireworks must be handled with tremendous care. In the hands of an amateur -- especially a child -- it can cost someone an eye, a finger, a limb or even their life."

Offering a safe, family-friendly alternative, Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro stated, "As we observe our nation's independence, I urge all Staten Islanders to be safe celebrating this holiday weekend and take advantage of our free Summer Concert and Fireworks Series, beginning with Saturday evening's 'Celebrate America Concert and Fireworks' at Wolfe's Pond Park. This event kicks off an exciting season of fun, family-oriented entertainment in parks all across our Borough." District Attorney Donovan added, "I would encourage all Staten Islanders to leave the fireworks to the professionals and take advantage of these great events offered by the Borough President."

Anyone seeking more information on the events sponsored by Borough President Molinaro can call (718) 816-2133 to be placed on the Borough President's mailing list, or logon to www.StatenIslandUSA.com to find out when a summer concert will be coming to a park near them.

In the State of New York, 30 people suffered moderate to severe burn injuries from fireworks in 2002, including four children under the age of six years old. Six of those injuries occurred in New York City. In 1993, there were 71 incidents of burn injuries in New York State associated with fireworks. The number of injuries had significantly declined during the past decade, with less than 20 injuries per year from 1999-2001, before increasing to 30 reported injuries in 2002.

"Some fireworks are illegal in every state because, in reality, they are actually small explosives capable of maiming and even killing someone. These include "cherry bombs", M-100's, M-80's and M-60's," said District Attorney Donovan. "People are taking a major risk with any firework but the danger is compounded when they use a device that is homemade or constructed by an illegal overseas factory that does not adhere to national safety standards."

The possession, sale and use of certain fireworks is outlawed by New York State Penal Law Section 270. The law defines fireworks as any blank cartridge; blank cartridge pistol or toy cannon in which explosives are used, firecrackers, sparklers, or other explosive of like construction. Examples include: skyrockets and rockets such as Roman candles, sparklers more than 10 inches in length or one-fourth of an inch in diameter, cherry bombs or chasers, including devices which travel about the surface of the ground during discharge.

According to national statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), use of fireworks continues to be a leading cause of death, dismemberment and property damage across the nation. The most recent statistics reflect the nation trends:

In 2002, 8,800 people injured by fireworks were treated in a hospital emergency room.

In 1999, there were 24,200 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in 12 civilian deaths, 55 civilian injuries, and $17.2 million in direct property damage.

In 1995-1999, 9 people per year were killed in fires started by fireworks, while 7 people per year were killed directly by fireworks.

More than one-third of 2002 emergency room fireworks injuries were to the head (38.6%), and half were to extremities (54.4%).

Nearly two-thirds of 2002 fireworks injuries were burns (63.2%).