With the Fourth of July approaching, the Village of Riverside Police and Fire departments want to remind residents about the use of fireworks.

 The use, discharge and possession of fireworks is illegal. Officials also want to remind residents that fireworks are dangerous, both for the person igniting the fireworks and those in the surrounding area. Fireworks are also capable of causing fires.

Every year, 10,000 people are injured by fireworks and nearly a dozen people are killed. Almost 70 percent of these injuries occur in the one month period beginning June 16, according to information released by the departments.

The definition of fireworks, according to the departments, does not include sparklers, smoke devices or noisemakers. For a full list of devices and if they are banned or not, visit www.riverside.il.us and click on the Fire Department link.