Stay Safe This Fourth of July
Naperville Police and Fire Remind Residents to Be Safe During Independence Day Celebrations
The Naperville Police and Fire Departments remind residents of the risks associated with the use of fireworks not connected with public exhibitions. Illegal fireworks continue to be a serious problem.
In the City of Naperville, it is illegal to sell, store, possess, discharge or set off any fireworks. In 2010, Naperville Police responded to 181 fireworks complaints, with 94 of those calls occurring in the month of July. Naperville Police will confiscate fireworks and may issue citations to anyone found to be in possession of fireworks. Penalties for possession of fireworks range from $10 to $200 for each offense; this does not include penalties incurred for property damage.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Fireworks Annual Report, every year, approximately 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and unfortunately, many deaths occur as a result of these injuries.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety cautions all parents to be careful when using sparklers around children. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold, and therefore cause severe skin burns or accidentally ignite clothing. Firework injuries are most common with boys ages 10 to 14. The Naperville Police and Fire Departments strongly urge parents to exclude their use during any festivities.
Attending public fireworks displays put on by professionals is the best approach to celebrate this Fourth of July and summer season safely. The Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest will provide a fireworks extravaganza at Knoch Park in Naperville, located near the intersection of West Street and Hillside Road on Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Complete information regarding Ribfest, including musical entertainment, can be found at www.ribfest.net.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.