Staying safe on the Fourth

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PRINCETON — Fireworks may be a symbol of Fourth of July celebrations, but they are best handled by trained professionals, according to Princeton Fire Chief John Petrakis.

On Tuesday, Petrakis said few people understand the associated risks with fireworks, which may include disfiguring burns, fires and even death.

“During every Fourth of July holiday, many people, typically small children and adolescent children, are injured while using consumer fireworks,” Petrakis said. “Even though fireworks are a symbol of freedom and summertime fun, people have to remember there are inherent dangers with fireworks.”

In explaining the various fireworks, Petrakis defined consumer fireworks as items like sparklers and firecrackers. The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns, the fire chief said.

The No. 1 safety precaution is education for the public, Petrakis said. There is much information available about the dangers, power and consequences of fireworks, he said.

“People must understand and respect the hazards of fireworks,” Petrakis said. “Fireworks are classified as explosives, and fireworks of any kind are best left to the professionals.”

The National Fire Protection Agency has gone on record recommending people treat all fireworks, whether legal or illegal ones for consumers, as dangerous and suitable only for use by trained professionals. Pyrotechnic devices, ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets, cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year, NFPA spokesperson Dr. John Hall has stated.

“Safe and sane fireworks don’t exist,” Hall said. “When things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong, very fast, far faster than any fire protection provisions can reliably respond to and handle.”

Deputy Chief Allan Beaber, with the Princeton Police Department, said the traditional Fourth of July celebration at Zearing Park, planned for Saturday evening, is meant to be a fun time for everyone but safety precautions must be taken.

Concerning fireworks safety, Beaber said anyone throwing firecrackers or causing a disturbance at Zearing Park will be subject to arrest. Firecrackers that contain any gunpowder and explode are illegal. Small novelty fireworks, such as sparklers and snakes, may be legal but still must be used with extreme caution by adults, Beaber said.

Another concern for the local Fourth of July celebration is the traffic, Beaber said.
No Parking signs in areas of the park and on side streets will be posted to help with traffic flow. Officers will patrol the park the entire evening. Drivers need to be very alert and cautious of pedestrians, he said.

The goal of the Princeton Police Department is to help people have a safe environment for their Fourth of July celebration, without putting anyone in danger, Beaber said.

“We will do everything we can to make sure everyone has a safe time this Fourth,” Beaber said.

For more information on fireworks legalities and safety, visit the state fire marshal Web site, www.state.il.us./osfm.

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