TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report from City Manager on the status of interdepartmental efforts around the education, prevention and enforcement of illegal fireworks in Long Beach, as well as an update on statistics from last year's efforts; and
Recommendation to request City Manager and Long Beach Fire Department to partner with neighborhood associations and community groups to disseminate educational materials in advance of July 4th.
DISCUSSION
According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people in the U.S. are injured while using fireworks on the 4th of July. In addition, fireworks cause an estimated 18,500 reported fires in the U.S. each year. About 1 in 4 fires started by fireworks are reported on the 4th of July yearly.
Within many Council District Offices, the amount of calls from concerned residents regarding illegal fireworks has increased every year. While the City has led a coordinated effort to prevent and enforce the use of illegal fireworks, more may need to be done to engage and educate the community to assist in prevention campaigns in our neighborhoods.
This recommendation is being requested to hear a report on what the city is currently implementing to educate the community on the dangers of illegal fireworks in addition to prevention and enforcement efforts in Long Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal impact for this report.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON
VICE MAYOR, NINTH DISTRICT
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMEBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT