Staying safe

Viewing public displays handled by professionals is the safest way to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July or any other day. Even then, keep a safe distance away.

If you plan to celebrate the holiday with your own fireworks, these precautions can help prevent injuries:

• Don't let children play with the fireworks.

• Never place any part of your body over a firework device.

• Make sure anyone who handles fireworks wears safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying sparks or debris.

• Don't use bottle rockets. Their flight paths are often erratic, and rocket launchers sometimes explode, sending pieces of glass or metal flying.

• Don't drink alcohol when using fireworks.

• Read the safety labels.

• Don't try to relight fireworks that have not worked correctly.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of malfunction or fire.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Follow label directions.

• Light fireworks outdoors.

• Light only one at a time.

• Buy from reliable firework sellers.

• Never give fireworks to small children.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

In case of eye injury

If an accident injures someone's eyes, these actions can help protect the victim's sight:

• Don't delay medical attention, even if the injury seems minor.

• Don't try to rinse out the eye. This can be very damaging.

• Don't put pressure on the eye. Don't touch the injury. 

• Don't give the victim aspirin or ibuprofen to try reducing the pain. These thin the blood and might increase bleeding.

• Don't apply ointment or any medicine. It's probably not sterile.