Attorney General Eric Schneidermann says the decision to legalize some fireworks was strictly economic and expects more than $2 million to be added to the state’s coffers as a result.

He also reminds St. Lawrence County residents that not all fireworks are legal.

“The goal of legalizing certain fireworks is to discourage those members of the public who cross New York state lines to purchase fireworks legalized in other states and bring them back for use in New York,” Schneidermann said. “The state estimates that the legalization could generate $2 million dollars in state tax revenue this year alone.”

For the first time in over 100 years, certain consumer-grade fireworks are available for legal purchase in parts of New York state, including St. Lawrence County.

“By easing restrictions on fireworks around the state, New Yorkers will no longer be required to cross state lines to purchase these devices—but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t obey laws meant to protect the safety of their families and communities,” Schneiderman said. “By familiarizing themselves with the new laws and following these tips, New Yorkers can have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.”

The law has not completely legalized the sale of fireworks within the state, and still remains stricter than the legislation currently in place in many other states. Consumer fireworks can be sold during two annual time periods – June 1 through July 5, and Dec. 26 through Jan. 2.

There are also limitations on the types of fireworks that can be sold during these periods.

Only ground- and hand-based sparklers can be sold, Schneidermann said.

Projectile fireworks are still restricted from general consumer purchase. So are sparkling fountains, smoking devices, snakes, confetti-filled party poppers and paper-wrapped snappers. Sparklers with metal sticks are not legal in New York, because they stay hot for a long time after burning out. The ones sold here are supposed to have wooden sticks that don't retain heat. It is a crime to provide a sparkler to a person less than 18 years of age, even in the jurisdictions where sparkling devices have been legalized. Fireworks purchased in a county where legal cannot not be possessed or set off in counties where such purchases remain unlawful, according to Schneidermann.

Firework Safety (www.fireworkssafety.org/) has a few recommended safety tips, according to Schneidermann:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.

• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.

• Make sure all pets are secured indoors prior to using fireworks, so they do not take off out of fear.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix

• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.

• Never relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes, and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.

• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.