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The fireworks are already starting to pop all over the place and with Monday being a extra day off, they probably will be going full Wednesday night. It's a busy day. So take a second and consider that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a study that found in 2009 there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries resulting from fireworks related incidents. Most fireworks injuries occurred to consumers younger than 20 and resulted in the loss of a limb in many cases.

Take the time to be safe and maybe a second or two going over the CPSC safety list:

    • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
    • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
    • Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
    • Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
    • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
    • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
    • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
    • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
    • Light one item at a time then move back quickly.
    • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
    • After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

It's a great day. As my partner, Joe Crumley, has written:

The Fourth of July should be an enjoyable weekend to all Americans. Road trips and firework displays are as American as apple pie, but being safe during these activities is of the utmost importance.

Some others with good advice:

Tips for Keeping Your Teens Safe On the Roads this 4th of July, Diego Avila | July 02, 2012 3:29 PM

Happy Fourth of July, Hugh Robert | June 30, 2012 6:07 PM

Grill Safety During the Fourth of July and All the Time, Mike Damaso | June 30, 2012 4:30 PM

Fired Up for the Fourth: Fireworks Safety Tips, Kevin Dean | July 02, 2010 2:48 PM

Happy 4th of July: Freedom, Liberty and Safety Roundup, Brett Emison | July 02, 2010 2:55 PM

Remember Fireworks Safety Before Lighting Up the Sky this Weekend, David Mittleman | July 03, 2010 10:00 AM

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