How to Stay Safe with Fireworks: Keeping Independence Day Incident Free

Independence Day is cause for celebration, and across the United States families, friends and whole communities will be gathering for picnics, campouts and parties again this July 4. Most of the festivities will end with an evening fireworks display put on by professionals.

A lot of people also purchase their own fireworks, putting on mini-displays at their home or campsite. In most states it's legal, although in some states like Arizona, where drought is chronic and fire danger high, it is illegal for a consumer to even possess fireworks, much less let them off on New Years of July 4. "Obey local laws," warns the National Council for Fireworks Safety. "If fireworks are not legal where you are, don't use them. If drought conditions mean a ban on fireworks, follow the law."

While public service messages and news stories might scare some into totally avoiding fireworks during the holiday, fireworks-related injuries have dropped by 70 percent in the last decade. In 2004, 9,600 people were treated for injuries from fireworks.

One injury is one too many though, and those innocent-looking sparklers usually toted by youngsters are often overlooked. Believe it or not they can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.

More than half of sparkler-related injuries happen to children under the age of 14, according to the National Council on Fireworks Safety. "Sparklers are not toys," the organization emphasizes, adding the following safety tips should be followed with sparklers: always read and follow instructions; always have an adult present; keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects; only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles; light only one sparkler at a time; alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix; do not point or throw sparklers at another person; children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers; and when finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following recommendations for all fireworks:

"Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency."

"Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay."

"Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials."

"Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off."

"Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away."

"Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks."

"Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container."

"Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas."

"Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions."

"Observe local laws."

"Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting."

"Don't experiment with homemade fireworks."

The National Council on Fireworks Safety adds another important rule during the celebration. "Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. Have a designated 'shooter'."

Remember too, that evening's added noise often results in restless pets that can run away or get injured. Take steps to protect them during the festivities. If you're traveling to visit with family or friends during the holiday, remember the FAA prohibits fireworks of any kind on a flight.

Don't let all the safety tips you're bound to hear in the next few weeks ruin your celebration though. Use some common sense, and you're sure to have a incident-free blast on July 4, our nation's Independence Day.