Chief Todd Fitzgerald and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
The possession, use and sale of all fireworks without a professional license is against the law in Massachusetts, and punishable by confiscation, fine, or imprisonment. Fines range from $100 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence. It is also illegal for private citizens to purchase fireworks legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and State Police, fire departments statewide reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks from 2012 to 2021.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department at 978-526-1212. In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Chief Fitzgerald and the Police Department share the following safety tips with residents:
Celebrate Safely
- Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
- Remember, alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
- Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
- Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.
Boat Safely
- Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Make sure the jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight and that it is properly fastened. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that there were 636 boating fatalities nationwide in 2022. Alcohol contributed to 88 deaths, or 16 percent of total fatalities.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times.
- Be courteous and respectful to other boaters.
- Travel at a safe speed for the environment and conditions.
- Be sure you have and know how to use essential equipment, such as visual distress signals, sound producing devices, locator devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights.
- Check the latest forecast before leaving shore and watch for changing weather.
- Take a safe boating course and get a vessel safety check.
- Never boat under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impact your cognitive abilities, judgment, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. Federal law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs on all boats.
- For more information on safe boating, click here.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!