By Thomas Culver
Staff Writer

With July 4th fast approaching many of us look forward to attending fireworks displays. While many choose to attend public shows, some prefer to purchase their own fireworks for home shows. But are you putting your family and friends in harms way by doing so?

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 9,600 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2004. During that year 8 people died from their injuries. Children 14 years and younger sustained about 40% of injuries related to fireworks, and among all ages males represented 76% of those injured during the month surrounding Independence Day. Statistically over two thirds of fireworks injuries occur during this time period.

It is interesting to note that while many people would consider sparklers a safe fireworks device for children, they cause the majority of fireworks related injuries in the United States. Sparklers account for close to half the injuries sustained by children under 5 years of age, and for children 5-14 sparklers cause more injuries than any other fireworks device.

During one study, the Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted telephone interviews with those injured by fireworks. Their findings showed:

• Some of the causes of injuries included delayed or early fireworks explosions, errant flight paths of rockets, debris from aerial fireworks and mishandling of sparklers.
• While most victims recovered or expected full recovery from their injuries, a
  few injuries had the potential for permanent consequences. These included
  eye injuries with associated blurring of vision and increased risk for cataracts
  and glaucoma; burns resulting in skin graft surgery and scarring; and loss of
  fingers from explosions.
• Most victims were unable to report the source of the fireworks. Of those who
  reported, most said the fireworks were obtained from a stand. Less
  frequently, devices were obtained from stores or were homemade. No victims
  reported obtaining fireworks from mail order or over the internet.

Fireworks accidents occur more frequently at home than at public displays. To play it safe, plan on attending an event sponsored by your city or county. But if you do still wish to use fireworks at home, follow these safety guidelines from the National Council On Fireworks Safety:

• 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.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.