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Stay safe around fireworks this Independence Day

According to the Office of the Illinois Sate Fire Marshal, of the 60 hospitals reporting last year, there were 204 fireworks-related injuries in 2017 with one fatality. In 2016, there were 240 reported injuries. Nationwide in 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Each year. Fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries.There are no kinds of fireworks that are legal in Illinois. The only legal “fireworks” in Illinois aren’t actually defined as fireworks: like, sparklers, snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices and trick noisemakers. Despite not being able to legally purchase fireworks in the state, there are still safety tips to keep in mind during your 4th of July celebration:

– A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.

– Only one firework at a time should be lit.

– Never relight a “dud” firework.

– Never experiment with homemade fireworks.

– Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area.

– Keep a bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks.

-Illegal explosives need to be reported – like M-80s and quarter sticks.

– Spent fireworks should be wetted down and deposited in a metal trash can.

– Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

– Never carry fireworks in your pocket or fire them into metal or glass containers.

– Keep a bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks.

More tips on staying safe this Independence Day by the National Council on Fireworks Safety here.

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