Release #294-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

"Every year, countless numbers of New Yorkers, including far too many children are maimed and injured by illegal fireworks," said Mayor Giuliani. "The confiscation and destruction of illegal fireworks is just one important component of this comprehensive plan. This initiative also stresses prevention through educational programs aimed at parents and children. The efforts of the Police and Fire Departments will help make this Fourth of July a safe and enjoyable one."

"During all of 1995, our City suffered over 400 preventable fires that were attributed to the use of illegal fireworks and almost one hundred New Yorker's were transported by the Emergency Medical Service to hospitals for treatment of fireworks related injuries during June and July of last year," said Commissioner Von Essen. "This year the Fire Department intends to reduce the number of fireworks related tragedies through a combination of public education, prevention and increased enforcement."

"Today's event reflects the excellent cooperation between the Police Department and the Fire Department when it comes to keeping New Yorkers safe," said Chief Chapman. "While we hope New Yorkers will enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, we also want to insure that they are safe from these type of destructive and illegal fireworks."

Each year, the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks result in almost 12,000 emergency room visits nationwide. Tragically, more than 40% of these fireworks injuries happen to children age 14 and younger. More than half of these injuries are burns and an additional one third are soft tissue injuries such as lacerations. In addition to the pain and physical suffering, illegal fireworks can cause extensive property damage.

For the second year in a row the Fire and Police Department have come together in a comprehensive program aimed at improving the quality of life in our City by eliminating these dangerous and illegal explosive devices. The program combines aggressive enforcement efforts with public education programs and events aimed at prevention. The program includes:

• The formation of a joint Fireworks Task Force which to date has already seized 1,554 cases of illegal fireworks, made 25 arrests and seized 5 vehicles which were involved in the transportation of illegal fireworks. In the course of their operations the Joint Task Force has also executed 2 search warrants, recovered 2 guns and seized 240 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

• The formation of two hotlines where citizens can report the use, storage or sale of illegal fireworks. Tips can be confidentially reported to the Fire Department at "1-800-FIRETIP" or the Police Department at 212 732-3699.

• A series of public safety education events have been held in all five boroughs in conjunction with the Fire Department's Children Assistance Program (FIRECAP). These events stress the dangers of illegal fireworks and offer the locations of safe, legal fireworks displays. These events will continue right up to the Fourth of July.

• The distribution of 100,000 public education brochures, posters and fliers in four languages to schools and community groups throughout the City. This is in addition to an aggressive public safety outreach programs in all 59 school boards.

• Large, reusable magnetic decals with the message "FIREWORKS KILL" and the "1-800-FIRETIP" hotline have been placed on over 1,000 emergency vehicles including fire apparatus, ambulances and support vehicles.