Newsgram

The 4th of July holiday will usually call to mind a wonderful day filled with backyard barbecues, family gatherings and celebration. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for about 230 families, Independence Day includes a trip to the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries.

Here are the common fireworks injuries by the number:

46% - hands and fingers

17% - eyes

17% - head, face & ears

11% - legs

5% - torso

4% - arms

Fireworks safety is important for everyone, especially children aged 5-14, who have double the risk of injury.

Your safest course of action this July 4th is to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one or more of the many outdoor pyrotechnic displays that will take place this holiday. But if you are in an area where consumer fireworks are in use, here are a few safety tips:

• Never let children play with or light fireworks
• Always stay a safe distance away from fireworks
• Keep water or a hose nearby in case of accidents
• Never point fireworks at others
• Always fully douse spent fireworks before safely discarding.

Plan now for a safe 4th of July celebration.

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