TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on the status of illegal fireworks outreach, education, and enforcement plans for the Fourth of July holiday. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Historically, the Fourth of July holiday is the busiest day of the year for the Long Beach Fire and Police Departments. The City of Long Beach's (City) primary public safety mission is to ensure that residents and visitors celebrate the holiday safely in our City. Thousands of people are expected to visit the City's beaches and parks for the holiday, and ensuring a safe environment to celebrate is a high priority.
The Fire and Police Departments started planning and preparing for the holiday several months ago. As in previous years, public outreach and enforcement will remain the primary focus areas to ensure a safe Fourth of July. Outreach and education efforts have been designed to communicate the message to residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked "Safe and Sane," are dangerous, and illegal in the City. The National Fire Protection Administration reports a national annual average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. Nationwide, these fires cause an average of 3 deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage. In 2015, hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks-related injuries. Children under 15 years of age accounted for35 percent of the estimated injuries.
The Fire Department is working with all City departments to coordinate public service announcements, press releases, and the distribution of educational materials in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog, communicating that all fireworks are dangerous and illegal in the City. Messages are delivered through a variety of media outlets and platforms, including social media, the City's website, and Nextdoor. Announcements are also being displayed in high...
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