With Independence Day quickly approaching, many are beginning to plan their Fourth of July celebrations. As barbecues are planned and fireworks purchased, excitement for the holiday can sometimes take precedence over safety concerns.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires. This included a total of 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 outside/other fires. The NFPA states these fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

In addition, the NFPA reports in 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for firework related injuries with a total of 55 percent related to extremities and 38 percent head injuries.

Many trust in the safety of consumer fireworks, which when used properly, can be a fun pastime. However there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the dangers of fireworks. Even sparklers, seen as mostly harmless by most parents, burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, 300 degrees higher than the temperature glass melts at.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends consumers only buy fireworks from a licensed store, tent or stand. Never buy from an individuals home or from an unauthorized seller on the street. The NCFS notes these fireworks are likely illegal or professional grade 1.3G fireworks that can seriously injure users.

Packaging is one easy way to discern between regulated fireworks and illegal explosives. Legal fireworks are packaged in bright colors with safety labels on the package. In addition, they usually mark the origin of the firework, which is normally China. Illegal explosives however are often not packaged, wrapped in brown paper and without a safety warning or place of manufacture.

Consumer fireworks, regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, are packaged in bright colors and have safety warnings on the package. The packaging sets forth the country of origin, which is normally China. Typical consumer fireworks include fountains, cones, sparklers, firecrackers, rockets and multi-tube aerial devices.

Illegal fireworks typically go by names such as M-80, Quarter Stick or Cherry Bombs. If someone approaches you to sell one of these illegal explosives, politely decline and call your local police department. The NCFS also notes that while professional 1.3G fireworks are legal, they are only to be utilized by a licensed, trained pyro-technician.

Other safety tips provided by the NCFS include:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any
• building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

This article is part of a weekly column discussing summer safety. For topic suggestions or questions, email [email protected].