They light up the sky, but fireworks can also send people to the emergency room. Though fireworks are often saved for special occasions, they’re behind thousands of serious injuries each year, especially burns to the hands, eyes, and head. Many of these accidents are preventable and happen when fireworks are used improperly. Before you celebrate, take a few simple steps to keep your family safe:

• Read and follow all label directions.
• Always supervise older children when they are lighting fireworks. Never allow children under the age of 10 to play with fireworks, including sparklers.
• Ensure that everyone is out of range when lighting fireworks.
• Light fireworks in open areas away from homes and motor vehicles, and ensure that the ground is not dry.
• Keep a bucket of water handy for emergencies and to pour on fireworks that do not ignite.
• Keep unused fireworks away from the area where fireworks are being lit.
• Never try to relight fireworks if they do not go off.
• Never hold fireworks in your hands when lighting them.
• Always demonstrate responsible behaviors around fireworks, because children may imitate your actions.

Adapted from the publication Protecting Children From Unintentional Injuries by former MU Extension specialists Kelly A. Cole and Sara Gable.