Dangers, Risks Of Consumer Fireworks In Palatine: Fire Officials

PALATINE, IL — The Palatine Fire Department reminds residents ahead of Fourth of July festivities that all fireworks, including "the so-called 'safe variety'" and "prohibited consumer fireworks" are illegal in Palatine. This reminder comes as Palatine residents will not be able to take in the 2020 Hometown Fest 4th of July Celebration, including fireworks, carnival, parade and arts and crafts expo, which was recently canceled due to the uncertain future of mass gatherings in light of the coronavirus. In a recent Facebook post, the fire department and Village officials remind residents to be smart and stay safe this holiday.

On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries during the month around the Fourth of July holiday.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff conducted a study of nonoccupational, fireworks-related injuries between June 21, 2019 and July 21, 2029. According to the CPSC, the study included the collection and analyzation of detailed information, such as injury, fireworks involved, victim characteristics, and the incident scenario.

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According to the CPSC's 2019 Fireworks Annual Report, 58 percent of the emergency department-treated injuries were burns during the above timeframe, with common injury to hands, fingers, arms, and legs.

However, about 73 percent of the estimated annual fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries for 2019 also occurred during this time period.

In addition, there were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers and 400 with bottle rockets, according to the study.

Related:

• Palatine's 2020 Hometown Fest 4th Of July Celebration Canceled
• ALDI, Jewel, Walmart: 4th Of July Grocery Store Hours In Palatine

Children 0 to 4 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (5.3 injuries per 100,000 people), according to the study.

More details, including 2019 nonoccupational, fireworks-related deaths and injuries, and more results can be found via the 2019 Fireworks Annual Report.