Watching the Fourth of July fireworks is a family tradition in South Florida and across the country. It's a time when parents and children share the "oohs" and "aahs" of these colorful displays that light up the night and celebrate our nation's history. It's also a time to play it safe, particularly when lighting sparklers or setting off Roman candles or other fireworks at home.

Every year, an estimated 9,000 adults and children suffer burns, eye accidents and other injuries related to fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, many young children – and family pets – are very sensitive to exploding fireworks. You may want to bring earplugs to a nearby fireworks display and leave your dog or cat at home.

However, most fireworks-related injuries occur when setting off these devices at home or in the neighborhood. If there's a serious accident, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. In case of a burn, remove any covering clothing and run cool water over the injured area. Do not use ice. Get medical attention immediately for any eye injury, and don't let your child rub the eye or flush it with water.

The best way to prevent these types of injuries is simple: Don't buy your own fireworks. But if they are part of your family tradition, purchase only legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place. Most importantly, be sure than children and teens read the warning labels, follow basic safety rules, and light fireworks only under adult supervision.
 

Using fireworks safely

Use common sense when planning a family fireworks display. For example, choose an outdoor location away from trees, shrubbery or anything that might catch on fire. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that fireworks cause more 50,000 fires each year.
Here are more fireworks safety suggestions for parents:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water handy for extinguishing "used" fireworks.
• Back up to a safe distance as soon as you light the fuse.
• Never put your hand, arm or any other part of your body over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Only light one fireworks device at a time.
• Never try to relight a "dud." Wait several minutes and then drop it into the water.
• Never point fireworks at anyone – even when fooling around.
• Designate an adult or older teen to organize and set off the fireworks for the family.
• Keep the rest of the family well away from the fireworks in case they backfire or go off in the wrong direction.
• Remember that alcohol and fireworks is a dangerous combination. Don't let someone whose judgment may be impaired try to light a fuse.
• Never allow a curious child to try to open fireworks "to see what's inside."
• Be extremely cautious when lighting sparklers, which can burn at more than 1,000 degrees – as hot as a blowtorch.
• Only use sparklers outside and keep them away from the face.
• Don't carry fireworks in your pocket as they can explode from friction.
• Don't try to shoot off fireworks in metal, plastic or glass containers.

After the fireworks show, pick up all the debris, and soak the remnants with water before putting them in the trash. Don't let an accident ruin your Fourth of July celebration.