Maitland City Talk

When it comes to public health, safety and welfare, some things change little from year to year and such is the case when it comes to the public’s view and desire for consumer fireworks. Because of this, it is necessary to repeat certain information and cautions to the public at large. Knowledgeable fire officials for many years have been united in their opposition to the general public’s access to and use of consumer fireworks — although legal in many states.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change,” is an assertion made by Dr. Wayne Dyer and one that if applied to the public’s view about fireworks, could have profound effects toward changing and improving the public’s health, safety and welfare when it comes to fireworks.

Why have Florida’s fire officials been patently clear about how they feel regarding consumer fireworks? Each year, related to New Year’s and July 4 celebrations, to name just two events, the fireworks issue is ignited (no pun intended). And what’s changed in all these years? As a brief answer: not much.

In Florida, we have no such thing as legal “consumer fireworks”, and yet each year, people and property are harmed by the effects and illegal use of these fireworks, most of which are purchased out of state and transported back to Florida. To better understand why this is the case, one needs to know what consumer fireworks are.

Loosely described, consumer fireworks are any explosive device that goes “boom”, “bang” and/or leaves the ground following ignition or explosion. In 2008 and 2009, articles presented by the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and others invited readers to acquire a better understanding of this very significant and potentially debilitating activity. It was recommended that the public consider the position and data amassed by the premiere life safety organization in the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of Batterymarch Park, Mass. That national organization publishes data on this and all facets of fires and fire safety across the nation. (see its 2010 report at nfpa.org) For other information about Florida’s fireworks, go to the SFMO’s website, myfloridacfo.com, and download the consumer safety brochure.

In that report, it notes that in 2008, 7,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, which represents an increasing trend since 1996, except for two years of spikes and one year of a decrease.

In that same year, 2008, there were an estimated 22,500 reported fires started by fireworks, resulting in one civilian death, 40 civilian injuries, and $42 million in direct property damage.

The plain and simple truth is — consumer fireworks are dangerous! The Public Education Division of NFPA reports comparative information relative to the risk of injury in very understandable terms:

“Water boils at 212˚F;

Wood burns at 575˚F; and

Glass melts at 900˚F;

But the simplest of fireworks legally permitted in this state are sparklers and they burn at 1200˚F!”

The highest rates of injuries (per million population) were for teens between the ages of 15 to 19 and young children ages 5 to 9.

Florida law makes it “…unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership or corporation to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks…,” less certain exemptions that include sparklers. (s.791.02)

Let’s make this year 100 percent injury free. If you enjoy fireworks, go see them at a commercially presented and licensed show. But don’t do them in your neighborhood where injury and property damage to friends, neighbors and loved ones can occur.

For information or questions about this important matter, please call the Maitland Fire Department at 407-539-6229.

— Bart Wright,

Assistant Chief/Administration

Maitland Fire Department

City Council Meeting of June 27, 2011

The Maitland City Council met on June 27, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Below is a synopsis of that meeting.

Special Presentations

• Elizabeth Tiedtke, Director of Operations for the Enzian Theater provided an overview of their programs and events.

• Sharon Anselmo, Management Services Director, received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (GFOA) for Fiscal Year beginning 2010.

Public Hearing:

Council moved to issue a waterfront structure permit for 900 Cranes Court, and approved the dock permit as proposed.

Decision Item:

• Introduction of ordinances: 1. Permit possession or sale of alcoholic beverages on park property. 2. Amendment to the sign code. 3. Maitland Art and History Association lease

• Accepted the 90 percent Plans and Opinion of Probable Cost for the Arapaho Trail Sidewalk Improvements and the Thistle Lane Traffic Calming Devices.

• Approved 100 percent plans and Opinion of Probable Cost for the 17-92 and Horatio Avenue Improvements and authorized advertising for bids when funds are made available by the FDOT.

• Accepted the initial Social Media Policy as presented. This policy establishes guidelines for the establishment and use by the city of social media sites as a means of conveying city information to its citizens.

• Adopted the amendments to the Lakes Advisory Board Constitution and By-laws.

A recording of the meeting is on www.itsmymaitland.com