Even sparklers, which burn as hot as 1200 degrees F (649 C), cause thousands of injuries to children each year.

Attend professional displays and leave fireworks to the technicians who are trained to use them.

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.

If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.

Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.

Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.

Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Spectators should obey all ushers or monitors and respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to safely do his job. Resist any temptation to get close to the actual firing site. In fact, the best view of the fireworks is from a quarter of a mile or more away.

Although it rarely happens, it is possible that a firework component might fall to the ground without exploding. The public should be cautioned not to touch these fireworks. If they happen to find any which have not exploded, they should immediately contact the local fire or police department.

Pets have very sensitive ears and the booms and bangs associated with a fireworks display can be quite uncomfortable -- particularly to dogs. In fact, the noises can actually hurt their ears. Leave pets at home if you are going to a fireworks show.

Leave the lighting of all fireworks to the trained operator when you attend a public display. Sparklers, fountains and other items that many states allow for use by private individuals are not appropriate to use when a large crowd is present. Leave your own fireworks at home -- the display will provide plenty of excitement.

Always read and follow label directions.

Have an adult present.

Buy from reliable sellers.

Use outdoors only.

Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

Light only one firework at a time.

Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

Never give fireworks to small children.

If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.