With the Fourth of July upon us we couldn’t help but feel a bit..nostalgic. Whether it’s because the holiday is a reminder of patriotism or of family times, everyone has something that they look forward to when it comes to the 4th of July. For many of us, and probably many of you, fireworks tops the list. Whether it’s watching them in your local communities or heading down to Navy Pier, seeing the sky light up in brilliant color while spending time with family and friends makes the day (and night) truly special.

Despite the many planned fireworks displays, some will attempt to host their own. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), reports that “240 people on average go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.”

To be safe this holiday, here are our top 5 tips for avoiding serious fireworks-related injury:

1. ) Always have adult supervision for all firework-related activities including children with sparklers (Did you know that according to the Neighborhood Safefty Network and Conumer Products Safety Commission, sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees fahrenheit? To put that into perspective, that’s as hot as a blow torch).

2.) Keep a bucket of water handy for a quick douse

3.) Remind playful friends and family to never toss a firework in someone’s direction

4.) Light fireworks one at a time for better control

5.) Only use LEGAL fireworks

That’s just our top 5, for more tips, check out this infographic from the Consumer Products Safety Commission. You may want to share or even post in your party area as a visual reminder to everyone how to avoid injury this Fourth of July.

updated 5/18/2018 CPSC Link updated