July 4 can be a fun and entertaining time, but this day can also be dangerous.

According to the state of Illinois, there were 125 injuries related to fireworks in 2007.

Among these injuries, 50 were second or third degree burns and five people suffered dismemberment.

Charleston Police Chief Mark Jenkins said fireworks are safe if used properly. He advises citizens to use common sense when handling them.

Jenkins said some examples of safety precautions are to always have an adult present, never point fireworks at other people and don’t make homemade pyrotechnics.

Assistant Fire Chief Pat Goodwin said many Illinoisan residents drive to Indiana in order to purchase illegal fireworks. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are illegal because they are greater safety hazards since they explode.

Jenkins said if a citizen is caught with illegal fireworks, the explosives will be confiscated and the person will be ticketed. The police chief added smaller fireworks like sparklers and snakes are permitted.

While individual fireworks can be dangerous, protecting hundreds of citizens could cause a citywide problem.

Last year, there were storms before the city fireworks. City officials were concerned where to evacuate the large crowds if a storm hit during the show this year.

According to The Weather Channel, scattered thunderstorms are forecasted for July 4.

In response to last year’s concern, the Incident Action Plan was prepared.

This plan would outline the responses, have contact numbers, notify where units are located and what emergency radio frequencies to use.

The city made the safety packet to issue the fire and police departments and the Park Board. If there is an emergency, the public address system would announce the procedure.

If evacuation is needed, Goodwin said the Eastern athletic facilities would provide shelter.

Many are also concerned with drinking during the local festivities.

According to Goodwin, there hasn’t been a major problem with drunk driving on July 4.

However, he is slightly concerned this year since the holiday falls on a Friday.

Ashlei Maltman can be reached at 581-7942 or at anmaltman@eiu.edu.