The summer brings celebrations and parties of all kinds, including the 4th of July holiday. One way to ruin any celebration – especially in the City of Milwaukee – is to bring and set off fireworks.
Alderman Michael J. Murphy said fireworks are illegal in the City of Milwaukee, and anyone found by Milwaukee Police or the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to be in violation of the city ordinance relating to fireworks can face heavy fines of up to $1,000.
“In Milwaukee it is illegal to possess, sell or discharge fireworks, and that’s for a reason,” Alderman Murphy said.
“Fireworks can cause serious injuries, including burns, contusions, lacerations, and head and eye wounds, with children ages 5 to 9 facing the highest risk of injury. According to the National Fire Protection Association, based on the amount of time and quantities in use, fireworks pose a higher risk of death than any other consumer product,” he said.
“Fireworks-related injuries and damage are 100% preventable, and I am asking our residents to celebrate safely this summer and to leave the fireworks to the professionals who are trained in their handling. Please don’t take the chance of having your party turn from the fun zone to the fire zone,” Alderman Murphy said.
Common Council President Cavalier Johnson urges residents to consider the wellbeing of neighbors when someone is setting off fireworks. “Fireworks cause fear and anxiety in pets and small children, and they can also trigger frightening memories and flashbacks for some military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” President Johnson said.
“If you do not feel comfortable confronting someone who is disrupting the peace of your block or neighborhood with fireworks, please call Milwaukee Police immediately at 414-933-4444 to report the situation and to request a police response,” he said.
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