Fireworks can be dangerous. Keep safe.

Fireworks are an American tradition synonymous with family gatherings, cookouts and parades on Independence Day.

But some parties end too soon after someone gets hurt and the ambulance is on the scene scrambling to figure out what went wrong.

By that time it’s too late although various warning labels and agencies caution people to be smart about creating their own fireworks display in the backyard.

Deputy Angelo Vaughn, spokesperson for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, explains that fireworks aren’t for everybody and many are too dangerous to purchase in the first place.

“We suggest people use precautions and be smart and very safe about doing fireworks at home,” Vaughn said.

Being careful means more than just clearing the area of debris and checking for power lines before rocketing fireworks into the sky.

“People have to check to see what the ordinances in their area say and make sure it’s okay to do the fireworks in their backyard,” Vaughn said.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately 10,000 Americans have been injured annually in firework-related incidents over the past decade.

The majority of the injuries have been a result of misuse.

“You could lose an eye or an arm, especially with small children or infants in the area. You have to use common sense,” Vaughn said.

Kids don’t need to be in put in the house and watch fireworks from the window but extra caution must be taken especially after fireworks have been shot.

“You don’t want the kids too close to the fireworks but they can stand in the area,” he said.

Vaughn also cautions users to discard of fireworks properly and safely.

He urges people to dunk them in water if necessary and pick them up from the street.

“Make sure they are out first so you don’t have any type of fires,” he said.

For those looking for less adventure and more entertainment, Vaughn suggests attending public firework displays.

“It would be a good idea to go to a park and watch them as opposed to doing them in your backyard,” Vaughn said. “It’s much safer and fun for the family.”

A few tips:
¸Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
¸Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
¸Buy from reliable sellers.
¸Use outdoors only.
¸Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
¸Light only one firework at a time.
¸Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing them in your trash can.
¸Never throw or point fireworks at people.
¸Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
¸Only light them on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
¸Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
¸Stay away from illegal explosives.

SOURCE: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety