Homewood Fire Department is urging residents to follow safety guidelines during the Independence Day holiday, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal issued a similar plea on Tuesday.
HFD staff member Megan Tipton provided the safety posters below that were created by several fire safety organizations as a way to remind residents how to stay safe during holiday activities.
The state fire marshal’s office issued a news release reminding residents that fireworks are dangerous. In 2021, there were 202 fireworks-related injuries and one death in Illinois, and the fire marshal’s office notes that every year, accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.
“Home fireworks use around the 4th of July holiday are a dangerous tradition that leads to injuries that are preventable by simply leaving fireworks to the professionals,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “It’s important to check with your local community to see what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to novelty items such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers.”
Neither Homewood nor Flossmoor sponsors fireworks displays, but several communities do in the immediate area.
Bloom High School will host a fireworks show preceded by a “family fun zone” on Friday, July 1. The event will take place at the high school’s north field, just south of Joe Orr Road and between Chicago Road and Dixie Highway.
Thornton’s celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, with a parade that begins at the police and community center at 700 Park Ave. and ends at Hubbard Park, Hubbard Street and W. Margaret Street. There will be an obstacle course for kids. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.
Tinley Park’s event starts at 4 p.m. Monday, July 4, with the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. in McCarthy Park, 16801 80th Ave.
According to the fire marshal, even novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snappers and poppers are very dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries, and often to the youngest victims. Sparklers burn in excess of 1,200 degrees – hot enough to melt many metals and turn steel glowing red. An instantaneous touch will cause a burn and may result in permanent damage or scarring.
