photo from wikipedia

Click here to view a pdf the changes in the Utah Fireworks Laws

For many in Utah, the use of fireworks has become a tradition.  The beautifully colored sparks fly though the air in concert with thunderous reports.

As exciting as this may seem, people often forget that they are playing with explosive materials, dangerous chemicals and combustibles that can destroy property, harm or cause death to unsuspecting victims.  These deceptively simple objects explode, throwing unburned powder, hot sparks and embers through the air at high velocities and often create temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Utah from 2002 to 2006, 367 fireworks related fire incidents were reported, resulting in over $490,000 loss. The safest way to enjoy the thrill of fireworks, pyrotechnic displays and flame effects is to let the professionals handle these products and attend a public fireworks display, a concert where pyrotechnics react to show design, or professional community displays.

For fireworks enthusiasts who enjoy shooting their own this year, there have been some significant changes in Utah fireworks laws that go into effect this firework season.   Please, pay particular attention to safety recommendations and safety tips from manufacturers and retailers who sell fireworks.  Reading instructions this year will be significantly important and necessary to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury.

* Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Read all instructions to reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury.  Follow all safety guidelines exactly. * Children should not handle fireworks. You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks.  Adults are to supervise any activity that includes fireworks.

* Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only knowing and clear-headed adults should handle fireworks.

* Adults should never use alcohol or drugs or be impaired while engaged in handling, using, placing or lighting fireworks.

* New aerial type fireworks are now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as “multiple tube”, “repeater”, or “cake” fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.* These fireworks need sufficient space from trees, carports, structures, power lines or other high or low obstacles. Aerial or “cake” fireworks need at least a 30 foot clearance around on the ground and at least 150 foot clearance in the air.

* Not allowed still are: firecrackers, M-80’s, cherry bombs, bottlerockets, roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes.  All local, state and federal laws must be adhered to. * Use common sense at all times when handling fireworks.  Do not alter, change or experiment with makeshift or any firework device and do not allow others to violate the law.

* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.  Do not place fireworks in your pockets.

* Only use fireworks out of doors. Never play with, set or light fireworks under a carport or overhang, inside a building or compartment.

* Never shoot fireworks in windy conditions. * Keep a bucket of water or running hose nearby during the time of lighting and disposing of fireworks and in case of an emergency.

* Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Keep all unused fireworks 30 feet away from the shooting area.

* Make sure other people are out of range at a reasonable distance before lighting fireworks.  Do not point or throw fireworks at people, animals or where they may not be under proper control.  And remember, sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They are extremely deceptive in nature and can be an extraordinarily dangerous device in the hands of children and can cause serious burns and injuries if not cared for properly.

* Light fireworks one at a time.  Do not attempt to light multiple fireworks at any time.  Do not relight a firework whose fuse has burned away.  Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks. Soak fireworks that did not ignite in a bucket of water. Once the firework is lit, get away quickly to a safe distance.

* Keep clear of the firework.  Never place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup a burning firework. Never look into the tube or stay close to the burning end of the device. Never hold a lit firework in your hand.

* Use caution with animals.  Excitement, noise and lights can cause fear and stress.

Fireworks are an American tradition. Safety and common sense are so important as we celebrate the holidays with fireworks. Shooting fireworks can provide hours of wholesome family entertainment, but must be use carefully and safely

Office Michael Galieti Sharing some success stories of folks playing an active and yet simple role in solving crimes.

Remember we are the eyes and ears of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department. We See, We Hear and We Call.

Remember if you think you see a crime in progress don’t hesitate
to call 9-1-1

Well in case you are wondering if Pro Active Policing and Neighborhood Watch make a difference. Look at the map below from www.CrimeReports.com. Not much going on inside Cottonwood Heights, a little bit on the parameters. Not bad for a Police Department that is 14 months old, Official Neighborhood Watch that is only a few months old. There have been neighborhood watch programs in the community for quite some time, it is until recently that they have become more organized and getting resources. w00t w00t.

Something magical happens when a group of people come together for a common good.  It is really special when neighbors and law enforcement combine their efforts.

Tonight a group of folks met in a conference room at the Cottonwood Heights Police Department to start the organizing of the Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch Program. Good stuff, we had Robby Russo the Chief of Police, Sheila Jennings Police Support Specialist, Michael Galieti,  and Corbett Ford all from the Cottonwood Heights Police department.

There were folks from CERT  (Community Emergency Response Teams) there, lending support and offering their organizational structures that already exist.

It is nice to sit around with people from all over the city and work towards a common goal.

I think we have a really good mix of talent, major computer geeks, marketers, experienced folks that have a neighborhood watch already, especially the Cottonwood Heights Police Department’s Sheila Jennings and Michael Galieti, these guys are awesome.

Stay tuned for more details.

Wednesday evening May 20th 2009 about 30 people gathered at the Cottonwood Heights City Office as Officer Shelia Jennings gave a presentation laying the ground work for Cottonwood Heights Official Neighborhood Watch Program. Also present Paul Brenneman the Assistant Chief of Police along with Officer Michael Galieti. 

The police department has laid out the city into 3 sections.

East (East of 2700 E to the mountain

West (West of Highland Dr)

Central (East side of Highland Dr to the West side of 2700 E).

Some of the things that the police department made clear is that they are more effective when the citizens are are active as their Eyes and Ears in the neighborhoods. 

After much discussion by the citizens present and guidance by the police department, there was a call for area coordinators.  The area coordinators will meet again soon to start getting some training on getting organized.

Stay tune for more information.