Fireworks harm the quality of life in our neighborhoods

With the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, Common Council President Cavalier Johnson is encouraging residents to have a safe summer by refraining from buying and using fireworks in the City of Milwaukee.

President Johnson said fireworks usage in the city has unfortunately gone up over the past several years despite possession and use being illegal in the City of Milwaukee. He also wants to remind residents that they can be fined up to $1,000 if found by Milwaukee Police or the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to be in violation of the city ordinance related to fireworks.

“Fireworks can cause fear and significant 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),” said President Johnson. “Not to mention, fireworks accidents are common, especially for children between the ages of 5 and 9, and can result in serious injuries, such as burns, contusions, lacerations, and head and eye wounds.”

“The painful results of fireworks-related injuries are completely preventable by following the law,” he said.

Urging individuals to consider the wellbeing of the community with regard to using illegal fireworks aligns with President Johnson’s recent effort to push for legislation at the state level to regulate the sale of fireworks to residents in cities where firework possession and use are illegal. President Johnson urges state legislators to allow greater local control over the possession and sale of fireworks and urges residents to contact state elected officials Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald to advocate for changes to applicable laws.

“If someone is disrupting the peace on your block or neighborhood with fireworks and you do not feel comfortable confronting them, please call the Milwaukee Police Department Non-Emergency line at 414-933-4444 to report the situation,” he said.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.