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For the past week I've heard people gearing up for the Fourth – setting off fireworks and sparklers in backyards and parks around Pittsburgh. While they look beautiful, fireworks can have grave consequences for amateur users. To reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks, follow these safety precautions from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. 
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. 
• Do not buy fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, because these types of fireworks are often made for professional use and could pose a serious risk to consumers. 
• More children under five are injured by sparklers than by any other type of fireworks. 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 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 accident.

We want you to have a fun Fourth of July, but the reality is that fireworks sent nearly 10,000 Americans to the emergency room last year. Please be safe when handling fireworks, and don't let an accident or injury ruin your Fourth of July fun.