This is the most common firework-related injury, according to Belvidere Police

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — The Belvidere Police Department recently shared that the most common injury they encounter isn’t the most obvious.

According to UW Health, in 2023, nearly 20% of firework injuries were in the eyes. Doctors said fireworks could cause burns, which can lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss.

Fireworks can pose a major risk to those using them and those surrounding them, police said.

Belvidere Police said that over the last five years, police have responded to 933 firework-related incidents. Calls and complaints range from people who were injured due to the use of illegal fireworks, debris that has fallen onto neighboring homes that started fires, and noise that negatively affected families and pets.

Chief of Police Shane Woody wanted to remind residents of the dangers of fireworks and how it’s important to know what is and is not legal to light off in Illinois.

“The firework kits that you’ll find at Walmart, those are the types of fireworks that’s going to be legal in Illinois,” Woody said. “Sparklers, glow snakes, those things that don’t necessarily go up in the air and explode are fine. Once you start to see things that propel into the sky and explode, those are the types of things that we’re getting calls on and ultimately are going to respond and enforce.”

Chief Woody said that most of the injuries are from those setting off fireworks on their own and injuring those watching. He said it’s important to recognize that most, if not all, fireworks do not go straight up and come right back down, and that is what causes injury.

“The inherent danger of lighting something off that is going to come back down either hot or still on fire, and especially when it’s a dry season, you have the potential for lighting a structure, or God forbid, a residence either occupied or occupied on fire,” Woody said. “Those are all the dangers that we’re trying to prevent and some of the reasons why Illinois has taken the stance that they have.”

Chief Woody and the rest of the department shared some helpful safety tips for those choosing to have their own show.

“If you’re going to do it, light them off outside, not in your garage, and make sure an adult is doing it,” Woody said. “Never throw or point fireworks at somebody, because that’s where some of the injuries come from. Never stand over a firework as you’re lighting it and if a firework doesn’t ignite or you think it’s a dud, never trying to relight it. By the end of the night, when you’re ready to clean up, take all of the fireworks and submerge them in water to ensure that they are inert before they are disposed of.”

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