Are you throwing fireworks on the 4th of July? Here are some safety tips - NBC Chicago

It's that time of year when Americans from across the country gather to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends and fireworks.

A new report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission shows a clear upward trend in injuries and deaths related to fireworks. Between 2006 and 2021, firework injuries in the United States increased by 25%, according to CPSC estimates.

In 2021, at least nine people were killed and about 11,500 injured in fireworks incidents.

"It is imperative that consumers are aware of the risks associated with the use of fireworks to prevent injury and tragedy," CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric said. "The surest way to enjoy a fireworks display is to watch a professional demonstration."

Wherever you're celebrating, here are some firework safety tips and information on how to make your 4th of July celebrations disaster-free.

How can I protect myself?

According to the National Safety Council , fireworks should be used away from people, homes, and combustible materials, and never lit in a container or indoors. When using fireworks, the advice is to light one device at a time and then keep a safe distance.

Once lit, fireworks may not be held, directed or thrown at any other person. If the fireworks don't work properly, don't try to light them again.

For those lighting fireworks, the NPC recommends keeping a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks and soaking used fireworks in water before discarding.

What about the candles?

Sparklers account for more than a third of emergency room visits related to fireworks and can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Instead, the association recommends using glow sticks, dumb ropes, or ratchets.

Bay Area officials recently warned that a flare in dry grass could take 30 to 60 seconds to ignite and turn into a fire beyond control with a garden hose.

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Where are fireworks legal?

While Massachusetts is the only state where all consumer fireworks are banned, you can still catch a professional show in the Bay State, according to Reader's Digest . Connecticut , Illinois , and New Jersey have strict fireworks laws that only allow snakes, sparklers, and parties. California has a patchwork of laws, with fireworks labeled "safe and healthy" being allowed in some parts of the state while illegal in others.

Meanwhile, Florida , Pennsylvania , and Texas have much more lenient laws, allowing ground-mounted or handheld firecrackers that emit a shower of sparks when burned.

AAA forecasts 47 million people will drive 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend.

Do fireworks cause fires?

Fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires each year, according to the National Safety Council.

With the ongoing drought in parts of the western and northwestern United States, some cities are canceling fireworks shows and banning residents from starting them due to wildfires.

A popular fireworks display in the northern San Joaquin Valley, which drew tens of thousands of people to California's Lake Don Pedro in times before the pandemic, was also canceled over drought safety concerns. Like many in Northern Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina. Still, firefighters in some cities are concerned that the cancellation of community displays could prompt some people to increase their use of consumer fireworks.

"In general, we are concerned about the spark and fire exposure of homes and dry brush," said Phoenix Fire spokesman Capt. Evan Gammage. "We get so many calls this time of year."

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