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The Fourth of July is this week, which means friends and family will gather, barbecue, and Old Glory will fly high, accompanied by fireworks galore.

Americans have celebrated Independence Day as the nation’s birthday since 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed. This signified the beginning of what Americans know as the United States of America.

Traditionally, the Fourth of July has been celebrated with parades, concerts and festivals. The most common of these pastimes has been the launching of fireworks, from professional pyrotechnic shows to firing bottle rockets in the front yard. Americans love the opportunity to display their patriotic pride.

According to data provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 firework-related deaths in 2024. A notable increase from the prior year’s statistics. These injuries were primarily caused by either misuse or malfunction/misfire of the devices.

14,700 people were injured by fireworks nationwide, with sparklers, a favorite for young children, being the cause of 1,700  of those emergency room visits.

The largest share of injuries comes from adults aged 25 to 44, with people aged 15 to 24 being the second most injured demographic. The injuries sustained by these groups were primarily located on the hands and fingers, while some suffered injuries to the head, face, and ears in more extreme cases.

These injuries made up 37 percent of emergency room visits during the 2024 Independence Day Holiday.

To help ensure a safe celebration, here are some safety tips for the Fourth of July:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying and using them.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time and back away quickly.
• Never attempt to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks.