Employ These 4th of July Safety Tips

Don't let your holiday weekend end in a trip to the emergency room. Stay smart and stay safe with these words of wisdom from the .

Fireworks safety

Did you know sparklers reach temperatures of 1200 degrees? The burns from fireworks can be intense and scar for life, according to a release from the

Fireworks are illegal without a local permit, according to state law. The Fire District encourages residents to attend professional fireworks displays (such as those at ) than using fireworks at home.

Approximately 9,600 fireworks-related injuries occur each year in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Nearly 2,500 of these cases result in permanent eye damage or removal.

And fireworks aren’t just potentially damaging to your body. Last year more than 15,000 fires were caused by fireworks, according to the release.

“Even with seemingly harmless sparklers, smoke devices, snake and glow pellets, trick noisemakers and most forms of toy pistols using paper or plastic caps can be dangerous,” said Fire District Chief Thomas K. Freeman.

“Fireworks are also especially dangerous for children because they entice children to play with matches, something they should never do. Matches and lighters in the hands of children and careless adults are already dangerous weapons, adding an explosive such as fireworks, can be lethal.”

Fire pits and open burning

 The Fire District reminds residents that open burning is not permitted without a county permit.

“This is extremely important this year with the lack of rain that has produced very dry conditions that may easily ignite,” the Fire District said in a release.

Violations are punishable with fines up to $500.

Barbecues and campfires are not covered under this ordinance. The Fire District encourages residents to burn only clean, dry firewood.

“This allows for cleaner and more complete burn which produces less smoke,” according to the release. Commercial fire pits are recommended. Homemade pits must be inspected by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District.

Fires must be extinguished if they become offensive to other residents.

For more information, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District at 630-353-3030.