We ask Dupont City Council to review and revise its policy on consumer fireworks use within the city limits around the 4th of July. We ask to ban all consumer fireworks within the city limits. Here are the reasons.1. We find the city municipal code on consumer fireworks to be extremely liberal and vague as to safety standards. Taking into consideration how close most of residential houses are to each other in our city, we should be aware of fire and property damage dangers of consumer fireworks use.
2. Most citizens of Dupont understand the danger of even legal consumer fireworks to their own kids, thus choose a safe option to attend public firework displays done by professionals. Organized public events offer safety and better displays.
3.There are few people in our city who still need to be educated on the dangers of consumer fireworks. Click on the following link to read a report of NFPA, that would help you make a smart decision on this issue:
http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1841&itemID=43277&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Fireworks/Legal%20or%20not,%20fireworks%20are%20too%20risky%20for%20amateurs .
4. Don't forget that any consumer fireworks are dangerous not only to adults and children around them, but also to pets and wildlife. Besides the loud noises that can scare and damage ear drums of those in close proximity, chemical residues left after the burst pollute our air, water, and land. Dupont is located in a beautiful place, let's help it keep beautiful and safe.
5. Propellants, oxidizers, and coloring agents in fireworks contribute to serious health issues, i.e. thyroid problems and asthma attacks. Do you want your child to breath in these chemicals? Public firework displays follow safe practices to limit people exposure to these health hazzards, while irresponsible neighbors usually fail to realize how much and for how long it is safe to fire without endangering themselves or others.
6. This petition should not be viewed as an attempt to stop citizens of Dupont to display their patriotic feelings. We are all patriots of this country, that is exactly why we choose to celebrate the most important holiday of the land in a safe manner without infringing on our neighbors privacy, health, and safety.
Please sign this petition to support the ban of consumer fireworks use in our city so that next year we all have happy and safe 4th of July celebration!
