Friday, July 3, 2015

LOS ALAMITOS POLICE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONS THE PUBLIC OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS


As the 4th of July fast approaches and we celebrate the birth of our nation with family and friends, the Los Alamitos Police Department would like to remind the public that the use of fireworks in the City is illegal. 
Across the nation, approximately 10,000 people sustain eye injuries and burns from the use of fireworks each year, and as reported by the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org), children between the ages of 10 and 14 are three times as likely to suffer a fireworks related injury as the general population.  Most of these injuries are directly attributed to the use of illegal fireworks as well as those approved as Safe and Sane.  Moreover, millions of dollars of fireworks related property damage are reported annually.  
The use, possession, or sale of fireworks in Los Alamitos is a crime and is punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or 1 year in county jail.  The Los Alamitos Police Department will be actively enforcing California Health and Safety Code violations related to fireworks.  
The Police Department wants everyone to celebrate Independence Day safely and responsibly.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the professional fireworks display and festivities presented during the 4th of July Spectacular held at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base.  The event is free to the public but a nominal $5 fee per vehicle will be charged for parking.
The public is encouraged to report fireworks activity to the Los Alamitos Police Department at (562) 594-7232.