How to celebrate safely this Fourth of July

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LAKE MARY, Fla. - With the Independence Day right around the corner, millions are planning to light up the sky with red, white and blue fireworks to celebrate the holiday.

However, many people will take their firework display into their own hands which poses a danger to the person and those around them.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "The nation saw a large increase in people being hurt and killed by fireworks last year. Many municipalities canceled July 4th public fireworks displays during the COVID- 19 pandemic, which may have spurred consumers to use fireworks on their own," in 2020.

There was a 50-percent increase in deaths and injuries as well as 15,600 people went to the emergency room for firework-related injuries according to the CPSC.

The report also said the most injuries were to the hands and fingers followed by the head, face, ears, and eyes.

Tips on how to celebrate safely

Never use fireworks when impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Do not let kids play or ignite fireworks.
Never light more than one firework at a time.
Do not aim fireworks at trees, other people or power lines.
Do not hover around a lit firework, move a safe distance away immediately after lighting.
Keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water or hose next to the firework zone in case of emergency.
Make sure to use legal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, torpedoes, roman candles, skyrockets, daygo bombs and any fireworks containing explosive or flammable compounds.
Do not try to relight or handle a malfunctioning firework. Soak them in water and throw them away.
To properly dispose of used fireworks, submerge them in water overnight, double wrap them in a plastic bag or wrap, and throw them in the trash.