The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

• 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.