Title
FIREWORKS REGULATIONS
Introduced by: Mary Jane Melink
Supported by: Ken Botero
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED or N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Veterans:
July 4th can be torture for many veterans. For those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder loud noises such as the bangs and pops we hear from fireworks could cause unpleasant flashbacks for those have served in our military forces during times of combat.
Studies show that 7-20% of the veterans and troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD. When you consider that more than 2.5 million have served, the picture becomes all too clear.
Pets:
Fireworks are not animal-friendly. Invariably, when communities celebrate with fireworks, local shelters and other animal aid organizations are overwhelmed by the "fallout," which manifests in an increased number of stray animals and reports of injuries and trauma to animals.
Proposal:
Washington State Fireworks Law governs the purchase, sale and discharge of fireworks, however the law also permits cities to adopt ordinances with stricter regulations of fireworks than state law, provided such ordinances may not have an effective date sooner than one year after their adoption.
To help support and protect our citizens, veterans and pets we are suggest limiting the number of days and times available for consumer fireworks sales and discharge in the City of Longview as follows:
Additionally we suggest limiting the type of fireworks that can be sold and/or discharged within the city limits.
Dates and Times that fireworks may be sold and purchased:
Fireworks may be sold and purchased on the following dates and times:
· July 2 - July 4: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
· July 5: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
· December 29 - 31: 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dates and Times that fireworks may be used and discharged:
Fireworks may be used and discharged on the following dates and times:
· July 2 - July 3: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
· July 4: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. on July 5.
· July 5:...
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