The Skokie Police Department will increase patrols surrounding the July 4th weekend and are notifying the community in advance that the illegal fireworks law will be enforced. Skokie Police officers will make attempts to generate voluntary compliance with the responsible party to stop the use of illegal fireworks. If that is unsuccessful, a Village of Skokie Ordinance citation may be issued for Unlawful Possession or Discharge of Fireworks, Section: 70-213. Please, consider using safer alternatives to fireworks, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
How to report fireworks violations
To help make sure that emergency calls are answered as quickly as possible, please don’t call 9-1-1 if there is no life safety or fire threat from neighborhood fireworks displays. Instead, residents can report fireworks noise complaints to the Skokie Police Department in four easy ways: via text message, via the Crime Tip hotline, on the web or through a mobile application. Please provide specific information (the address where fireworks are being blown off, subject’s description, etc.). For fireworks-related issues that pose life safety threats or fire hazards, residents should call 9-1-1 and police, fire or medical help will be dispatched.
How to Submit a Tip to the Skokie Police Department
- Text Messages - to text a tip to the Skokie Police Department, you must have text messaging enabled on your cellular phone and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip message, enter the number “847411” in the phone number line. Then start your message with “Skokie” to ensure the tip is routed to the Skokie Police Department and enter your tip with as much detail as possible. All tips remain anonymous.
- Call the Crime Tip Hotline - individuals may provide a tip to the Skokie Police Department by calling the Skokie Crime Tip Hotline at 847-933- TIPS (8477).
- Through the Web - submit a tip online at https://www.skokie.org/1181/ Online-Services.
- Through a Mobile Application - users also may download the “Skokie Tips” application to submit anonymous tips. Download on the Apple App Store or Android App on Google Play Store.
For fireworks-related issues that pose life safety threats or fire hazards, residents should call 9-1-1 and police, fire or medical help will be dispatched. Examples of calls that should go to 9-1-1 include:
- A situation where a person has been injured by fireworks.
- Airborne fireworks land on a building or wooded area posing a fire risk.
- When the size of the fireworks gathering and the unruly behavior of the people involved begins to pose a threat to others.
Why are fireworks illegal in Illinois?
One of the biggest reasons why fireworks are illegal is the prevalence of firework-related injuries (especially children), in addition to the fact that they cause fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a special study of consumer-related fireworks injuries that occurred between June 21 and July 21, 2019 and found that 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms. Of those injuries, 66 percent were males and 34 percent females. Children younger than 15 accounted for 36 percent of fireworks injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the parts of the body most often injured in both children and adults in order of most to least are hands and fingers, legs, eyes, head, face and ears and arms.
Why should people not set off fireworks?
Many people forget about individuals who may be affected by the sounds and/or lights fireworks create, including military veterans who might have post-traumatic stress disorder as well as children with autism. Fireworks, especially when they are unable to see them or if they “come out of nowhere” can be terrifying and affect these children for hours. They have the right to feel safe in their homes. The sounds from fireworks also can impact our pets and our neighbors’ pets. According to Home Again pet recovery, more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year because of the sounds. They get scared and the fight-or-flight instinct kicks in. Sadly, not many of these pets find their way home. Even the pets that are in houses may be scared, having a miserable night and may be susceptible to injuries.
As a community, it is our job to think about and care for each other, not just ourselves or our friends who are over for a holiday barbecue. We must all come together to take care of our community. Please don't use illegal fireworks!