Crown Point Fire Rescue Shares Safety Tips Ahead of Fourth of July

Crown Point Fire Rescue is reminding residents of fireworks safety tips ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. In considering the dry conditions in the area recently, officials say fireworks can not only cause serious injury, they can also spark fires. A news release from Crown Point Fire Rescue said in 2021, 11,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, and since 2006, fireworks injuries have increased by 25%, with 74% of fireworks injuries occurring on or around the Fourth of July.
A news release from Crown Point Fire Rescue urges everyone to celebrate safely by:
• Following local laws. The City of Crown Point allows fireworks between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29 and 30, July 1 through July 3 and July 5 through July 9, as well as between 10 a.m. and midnight on the Fourth of July. (Chapter 91.31 of the Crown Point Code of Ordinances).
• Storing and using fireworks away from children.
• Keeping a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire.
• Soaking items with water thoroughly before discarding them.
• Buying the right fireworks — avoid fireworks wrapped in brown paper and items in boxes without markings, as they may be illegal for consumers.
• Supervising children using sparklers, which burn at high temperatures and can cause major burn injuries.
• Recent dry conditions have left a high risk for fires, do not shoot fireworks in grass, brush or wooded areas.
“As we look to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, it is important the community exercises extreme caution when storing/using consumer fireworks,” Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Cusack said. “In the event of an emergency, dial 911 right away.”
“Residents should call our non-emergency line (219-660-0000) to report fireworks complaints,” said Police Chief Ryan S. Patrick. “We need to keep our emergency lines open in the event someone needs to call 911 to report emergencies like fires, car crashes, medical problems or any in-progress crimes.”