This Fourth of July, your niece’s and nephew’s coolest auntie is treating them to the best picnic and fireworks display.  It's a great way to celebrate, but it's important to be safe.

According the American College of Emergency Physicians, each year there are about 10,000 fireworks related injuries seen in ERs across the country, with half of those being kids.  And it’s not just on the Fourth of July. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over two-thirds of injuries from fireworks occur between June 19 to July 19.

So the best way to be safe and savvy is to leave the fireworks up to the professionals. But if they are legal to do yourself in the community where you are celebrating Independence Day, then let's go over some safety tips:

If you are going to do it yourself, buy fireworks from a reputable dealer and read the labels

Light only one at a time

Keep a bucket and fire extinguisher handy

Don’t give any -  including sparklers  - to young children

Never light them in a container which can explode and cause flying fragments and shrapnel

Never try to re-light  or handle fireworks that don’t go off or malfunction

And have a happy and savvy Fourth of July!!


Republished: July 2, 2014