Massachusetts Governor Signs Novelty Lighter Ban
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Phil
Sep 3, 2010, 1:57:43 PM9/3/10
to ABA Prevention
The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive
Office of Public Safety and Security
Department of Fire Services
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2010
Contact: Jennifer Mieth, (978) 567-3381
Governor Patrick Signs Novelty Lighter Ban
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, “Governor Deval L. Patrick
has signed into law a ban on novelty lighters, making Massachusetts
the 14th state to do so. When adults cannot tell the difference
between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do
so?”
Representative Geraldo Alicea sponsored the bill at the urging of
Southbridge Fire Chief Richard Ciesla. “I am proud to see the passage
of this bill and I am thankful to my colleagues for approving this
prudent piece of legislation,” said Representative Alicea. “Prior to
filing this bill I had met with a number of local firemen who had
brought this issue to my attention and recommended that I file
something that would prohibit these dangerous and redundant lighters
in the state. I am extremely grateful for their support and hard work
on behalf of this bill.”
Fire Chief Ciesla said, “The national child resistant lighter standard
has gone a long way towards preventing fires started by very young
children. This is the next logical step to keep small children and
their families safe from fire.”
Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries,
deaths, and accidents across the nation. Children are attracted to
novelty lighters because they look like toys. Many of these lighters
look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, cameras, fishing
lures, stacks of coins, markers, and doll accessories. One lighter is
nearly identical to the popular rubber ducky bath toy — it even
quacks! There are also toy like and novelty lighters that look like
tools such as tape measures, drills, hammers, and paint brushes.
Ironically, there are even lighters that mimic a Dalmatian donning a
fire helmet, a red fire truck, or fire extinguishers.
For more information, go to the United States Fire Administration’s
website on novelty lighters, or to see some in action, see The Idea
Bank’s Public Service Announcement on banning novelty lighters.
The law takes effect in 90 days. It bans lighters, which due to the
physical or audio features make them appealing or attractive tot a
child under age 10. There is an exemption for collectible lighters
made before 1980, certain disposable lighters with artwork, and for
interstate transport of lighters not designed to be sold in
Massachusetts.
Children Using Fire
A child using fire or fire tools is a serious problem in
Massachusetts, and across the nation. Juvenile firesetting
intervention programs have found that only one in every ten child-set
fires comes to the attention on the fire department, so the reported
fire incidents is considered the tip of the ice berg.
Last Year Children Caused 158 Fires, 2 Civilian Injuries & $887,306
In 2009, children using matches, lighters and other heat sources,
caused 158 reported fires, two civilian injuries, eight fire service
injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $887,306.
Child-set Fires Caused 4 Deaths in 2008
In 2008, there were two fatal fires started by juveniles, one in
Holyoke and one in Haverhill. These fires took the lives of four
people; three children under seven and one disabled adult.
Match and Lighter Safety Tips
• Adults must keep all matches and lighters out of the hands of
children. Store them in a high cabinet, preferably a locked one.
• Keep matches and lighters on your person or locked up. Don’t leave
them in a purse or on a table where children can easily access them
when no one’s looking.
• Buy child-resistant lighters, but keep in mind they are not child
proof.
• Never allow children to play with lighters. Children as young as two
years old have been able to operate lighters and start fires with
them.
• Teach children not to touch matches and lighters and tell a grown-up
when they see them lying around. When a child does so, praise them and
then move the matches and lighters to a secure spot.
Working Smoke Alarms and Home Escape Plans
Coan said, “A working smoke alarm is your family’s first line of
defense in a fire. Coupled with a home escape plan you practice
together, they can increase your chances of safely escaping a fire.’
-30-
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive
Office of Public Safety and Security
Department of Fire Services
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2010
Contact: Jennifer Mieth, (978) 567-3381
Governor Patrick Signs Novelty Lighter Ban
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, “Governor Deval L. Patrick
has signed into law a ban on novelty lighters, making Massachusetts
the 14th state to do so. When adults cannot tell the difference
between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do
so?”
Representative Geraldo Alicea sponsored the bill at the urging of
Southbridge Fire Chief Richard Ciesla. “I am proud to see the passage
of this bill and I am thankful to my colleagues for approving this
prudent piece of legislation,” said Representative Alicea. “Prior to
filing this bill I had met with a number of local firemen who had
brought this issue to my attention and recommended that I file
something that would prohibit these dangerous and redundant lighters
in the state. I am extremely grateful for their support and hard work
on behalf of this bill.”
Fire Chief Ciesla said, “The national child resistant lighter standard
has gone a long way towards preventing fires started by very young
children. This is the next logical step to keep small children and
their families safe from fire.”
Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries,
deaths, and accidents across the nation. Children are attracted to
novelty lighters because they look like toys. Many of these lighters
look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, cameras, fishing
lures, stacks of coins, markers, and doll accessories. One lighter is
nearly identical to the popular rubber ducky bath toy — it even
quacks! There are also toy like and novelty lighters that look like
tools such as tape measures, drills, hammers, and paint brushes.
Ironically, there are even lighters that mimic a Dalmatian donning a
fire helmet, a red fire truck, or fire extinguishers.
For more information, go to the United States Fire Administration’s
website on novelty lighters, or to see some in action, see The Idea
Bank’s Public Service Announcement on banning novelty lighters.
The law takes effect in 90 days. It bans lighters, which due to the
physical or audio features make them appealing or attractive tot a
child under age 10. There is an exemption for collectible lighters
made before 1980, certain disposable lighters with artwork, and for
interstate transport of lighters not designed to be sold in
Massachusetts.
Children Using Fire
A child using fire or fire tools is a serious problem in
Massachusetts, and across the nation. Juvenile firesetting
intervention programs have found that only one in every ten child-set
fires comes to the attention on the fire department, so the reported
fire incidents is considered the tip of the ice berg.
Last Year Children Caused 158 Fires, 2 Civilian Injuries & $887,306
In 2009, children using matches, lighters and other heat sources,
caused 158 reported fires, two civilian injuries, eight fire service
injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $887,306.
Child-set Fires Caused 4 Deaths in 2008
In 2008, there were two fatal fires started by juveniles, one in
Holyoke and one in Haverhill. These fires took the lives of four
people; three children under seven and one disabled adult.
Match and Lighter Safety Tips
• Adults must keep all matches and lighters out of the hands of
children. Store them in a high cabinet, preferably a locked one.
• Keep matches and lighters on your person or locked up. Don’t leave
them in a purse or on a table where children can easily access them
when no one’s looking.
• Buy child-resistant lighters, but keep in mind they are not child
proof.
• Never allow children to play with lighters. Children as young as two
years old have been able to operate lighters and start fires with
them.
• Teach children not to touch matches and lighters and tell a grown-up
when they see them lying around. When a child does so, praise them and
then move the matches and lighters to a secure spot.
Working Smoke Alarms and Home Escape Plans
Coan said, “A working smoke alarm is your family’s first line of
defense in a fire. Coupled with a home escape plan you practice
together, they can increase your chances of safely escaping a fire.’
-30-
Lee Moss
Sep 3, 2010, 10:42:19 PM9/3/10
to tamma...@gmail.com, ABA Prevention
Great work Massachusetts!
Lee
Lee Moss, NP
University Burn Center
50 N. Medical Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
801-581-3050
lee....@hsc.utah
________________________________________
From: aba-pre...@googlegroups.com [aba-pre...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Phil [tamma...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 11:57 AM
To: ABA Prevention
Subject: Massachusetts Governor Signs Novelty Lighter Ban
Department of Fire Services
-30-
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