Ahead of New Year’s Day, the PGPD has posted signs on Rhode Island Avenue reminding residents about illegal fireworks.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the nation saw a large increase in people being hurt and killed by fireworks last year. Many municipalities cancelled July 4th public fireworks displays during the COVID- 19 pandemic, which may have spurred consumers to use fireworks on their own.
“These tragic deaths and injuries are reminders of just how dangerous fireworks can be,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler. “Consumers should enjoy professional fireworks displays from a distance, and be extra vigilant when using consumer-type fireworks.”
A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019.
At least 18 people died from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year.
About 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2020. There were about 10,000 ER-treated fireworks injuries in 2019.
