“Be a Good Neighbor” Fireworks Education Campaign –
Emphasizes Increased Law Enforcement and Fireworks Safety for Independence Holiday
The City of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs Police Department want to help keep families safe this Independence Holiday. To do this, the City continues its “Be a Good Neighbor” Fireworks Education Campaign for the 2010 fireworks season.
The campaign is designed to help build resident awareness for fireworks safety and to educate community members about City rules and regulations regarding fireworks. Additionally, a primary goal for the 2010 “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign is to emphasize the assertive police enforcement that will take place prior to and during the Fourth of July holiday.
“Our goal this year is to make sure residents are not only enjoying the liberty of discharging fireworks in Blue Springs, but are doing so in consideration for others and within the limitations of City law” said Police Chief Wayne McCoy.
This year’s campaign once again, focuses on three major components, Be Legal, Think Safe and Play Smart, reminding citizens about the need to exercise good decision making when participating in fireworks activities.
Be Legal encourages residents to observe the days and hours fireworks are legally allowed to be discharged within
Blue Springs City limits. This year, these dates and times are July 1 - 3, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on July 4, 2010 from 10 a.m. to Midnight. Blue Springs Police Officers will also exercise increased street patrol and law enforcement measures during these times to make sure citizens are complying with the regulations provisioned by the City’s Fireworks Ordinance. To report fireworks violations, call (816) 228-0151 or Text-A-Tip; text “BSPD plus your message” to Crimes (274637).
Think Safe reminds citizens to use City-approved fireworks only. These fireworks include those sold by 18 licensed nonprofit organizations in Blue Springs only. The discharge of bottle rockets is prohibited by the City. A list of these organizations can be obtained from the Blue Springs Tax Department at City Hall or on the City’s website at www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks.
Play Smart encourages citizens and their family members to have fun, but be safe when discharging or detonating fireworks. “An adult should be present when fireworks are discharged, and people should avoid discharging fireworks in dry areas and around or near pets and animals” said Chief McCoy.
Residents are also asked to be mindful of neighbors, surrounding buildings or structures, to dispose of all debris after discharging fireworks, and to use proper first aid or burn care in case of an emergency. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
The “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign launches today, distributing more than 20,000 postcards with a message from Mayor Carson Ross to every household in Blue Springs. The Mayor’s message represents the official declaration of this year’s campaign in which he asks for residents’ help to “keep the Blue Springs community operating as a safe, clean and enjoyable place to live and celebrate.”
Additional fliers will be distributed to approved fireworks retailers, City libraries, neighboring businesses and patrons of City Hall. For additional information about the campaign or fireworks safety visit www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks.
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