Fireworks safety tips for Independence Day

There's really only one tip we need to give you when it comes to fireworks: Leave it to the pros. Using fireworks on your own is both dangerous and, in many parts of the country, illegal. In 2006, according to figures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 deaths and over 9,000 injuries associated with fireworks. Children under 15 accounted for 36% of the injuries; one four-year-old boy died when he and his older brother set off fireworks in their front yard, igniting a nearby gas tank.

The risks aren't just limited to Roman candles and rockets. Sparklers, which many people assume are safe, can burn at 2,000°F (hot enough to melt gold) and have been identified as the most common cause of firework-related injuries among children under 5. During 2006, the CPSC recorded over 1,000 sparkler-related injuries, including 200 eye injuries.

If you insist on doing it yourself, never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Check with local police to see what devices are legal to use in your area. Several states, including New York and New Jersey, ban all consumer fireworks, including sparklers. Check the CPSC full list of state laws. And, of course, legal doesn't mean safe. According to the CSPC, illegal products cause only about 2% percent of firecracker injuries. Also, be sure to check for recalls. This month, there have already been two fireworks recalls announced.

You can find more tips on fireworks safety at ConsumerReports.org. However, if you follow our first piece of advice, you can skip the rest, and have a fun — and safe — Fourth of July.