By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
The Romeoville Police Department is warning residents that the dangers of fireworks are real and officers are taking action to help keep the community safe.
In light of increasing complaints by neighbors and an unfortunate accident last year that left a child injured, Police Chief Mark Turvey said the department is trying to continue to educate the public while cracking down on illegal fireworks.
“People don’t really realize the danger or the disruption it places on the community,” said Turvey. “People die every year from firework use–we had a horrible incident some ten years back when someone was killed in Romeoville because of fireworks. The danger is real.”
Every year, non-occupational fireworks lead to numerous injuries and deaths. In a 2015 study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 11 people die each year from non-occupational fireworks. Fireworks related deaths are often the cause of unplanned detonations, direct impacts or fires.
In Romeoville, it is unlawful for any person to possess, display or allow to be displayed, consumer fireworks and/or display fireworks or any other fireworks within the corporate limits of the village without a valid permit. Possession is not the only concern when it comes to fireworks. A person setting off fireworks can be charged with disorderly conduct if it is alarming and disturbing others. Of a more serious nature, one may be held criminally liable if negligent acts result in property damage, injury, or death.
The Romeoville Police Department maintains a strict enforcement policy with regards to illegal fireworks and dedicates officers solely to the enforcement of fireworks violations during the holiday season.
“We are being realistic–we know fireworks are not going to go away,” said Turvey. “However, if we see someone with fireworks, the fireworks will be confiscated and if people are not cooperative, action will be taken.”
A resident can be issued a citation for violating a village ordinance, carrying a fine of up to $750.
Despite the fact that fireworks are legal in Indiana, fireworks are illegal in the state of Illinois. Turvey said it us up to the discretion of each state and that Illinois happens to be one of the strictest states on fireworks policies.
Items such as “Silver Salutes” or “Quarter Sticks” are considered explosive devices and possession is a Class 3 Felony.
Turvey encourages residents to take advantage of the professional fireworks shows in the area.
The village of Romeoville will be performing an Independence Day fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. July 3 at Deer Crossing Park, 1050 Romeo Road.
According to the police department, about 67 percent of the annual 10,500 fireworks related injuries occur between June 20 and July 20, with 35 percent affecting children younger than 15. Fireworks injuries and deaths can be from misuse or malfunctions. Some common misuses include lighting fireworks in one’s hand, being too close to lit fireworks, setting off fireworks improperly, mischief, igniting fireworks too close to someone or dismantling fireworks. Malfunctions can be from errant flight paths, tip-over incidents, early ignitions and blow outs.
Police also remind that even legal items, such as sparklers which burn hot enough to melt glass, are dangerous.