Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (212) 374-4227 (NYPD)
Michael Regan (718) 999-2015 (FDNY)
"The Fourth of July is a very special time of year -- a time for all New Yorkers to reflect on the great freedoms we enjoy as Americans," Mayor Giuliani said. "All across the City, families and friends come together to enjoy the warm weather and to celebrate our nation's independence. But tragically, every year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured by fireworks. Fireworks are not toys -- they can kill and maim. Illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and this Administration is committed to doing all we can to keep them out of the hands of young people.
"In New York City people seem to be getting the message," the Mayor continued. "Since 1995, serious fireworks related injuries have been reduced by 64 percent. And after seizing more than 26,000 cases of fireworks in 1997, this year, the task force is finding fewer and fewer fireworks available for sale on City streets. Illegal fireworks traffickers have discovered that it's bad business to sell their contraband in New York City. Nevertheless, this weekend New York's Finest and New York's Bravest will step up their efforts to ensure that this Fourth of July is one of the safest in memory."
"I hope all New Yorkers have a safe holiday and I urge everyone to attend one of the beautiful legal fireworks displays throughout the City," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Safir said, "As a result of our joint enforcement efforts, there are far fewer illegal fireworks available on the street this summer. We intend to continue our zero tolerance approach to the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Our primary goal is public safety. So we are calling on the people of New York to help us. First we want you to stay away from illegal fireworks. Fireworks can cause serious injuries including the loss of fingers, hands and vision. So if you have any information about the sale of illegal fireworks -- please let us know and report any information to us on the Fireworks Hotline at 1 800 FIRE-TIPS."
Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Once again, as a result of the Mayor's initiative serious fireworks related injuries have declined. Working together with the Police Department, we hope to exceed last year's goal and have fewer citizens injured."
In 1997, the Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services treated 20 serious fireworks related injuries, a 64 percent decline from 1995 (56 injuries). This was a 47 percent decrease from 1996, when there were 38 serious injuries. As of July 2nd of this year, the Fire Department reported eight fireworks related injuries. In the same period last year, there were ten serious fireworks injuries.
Mayor Giuliani created the Joint Task Force in 1995 to eliminate the trafficking of illegal fireworks into New York City and to educate the public about the dangers of fireworks. For the fourth straight year, the Police and Fire Departments have come together in a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating the sale and use of illegal fireworks and explosives in the City.
Last year, the task force confiscated more than 27,697 cases of illegal fireworks nearly tripling the amount seized in 1996 (9,879 cases). This year, the Task Force had confiscated 3,894 cases of illegal fireworks as of July 1st. Illegal fireworks dealers wary of the financial risks of having their contraband confiscated are staying out of the New York City marketplace.
New Yorkers with information about illegal fireworks are asked to call the Illegal Fireworks Hotline at (800) FIRE-TIPS or (800) 347-3847. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.
This year, there are two free legal fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, on the East River and in Staten Island.