Clarkstown Police Urge Safety This 4th of July

The following information is from the Clarkstown Police Department--

In preparation for the July 4th celebration this year, we'd like to remind everyone that ALL consumer fireworks are banned in New York State! The use of fireworks by those who do not have a permit is strictly illegal! The Clarkstown PoliceDepartment urges all residents follow the law by not using fireworks this Fourth of July and to instead celebrate our nation's birth by attending only those fireworks displays conducted by professionals.

Locally, there will be fireworks displays in Nanuet at the Nanuet Senior High School on Thursday July 3rd and the Village of Nyack in conjunction with the Village of Tarrytown will have a dueling fireworks display over the Hudson River on July 4th. Check your local newspaper or respective websites for times and other details.

Equally as important as being illegal, fireworks are dangerous! In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries. Nearly two-thirds of fireworks-related injuries are caused by backyard fireworks, including sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets. The most severe injuries are typically caused by powerful fireworks, such as M-80's, rockets, and cherry bombs. Another sobering fact: more than 50 percent of the estimated injuries involved children and young adults under the age of 20.

Have a very Happy and SAFE July 4th!

Click here for a list of fireworks in the Rockland/Westchester area.