Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

• Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.  The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home.
• If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area. In Colorado you can use the general rule of thumb that anything that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal. However, local jurisdictions can add additional restrictions including a ban on all fireworks. Check with your local city or county law enforcement agency. 

Be Extra Careful With Sparklers

• Sparklers can heat up to 1,200 degrees and are not safe for children to use. A safe alternative is to provide glow sticks for your children instead.
• Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Take Necessary Precautions

• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
• Check current fire restriction levels in your area, including State and Federal park or forest lands at http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

Be Prepared for an Accident or Injury

• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.

Safety Resources

• SafeKids http://www.safekids.org/tip/fireworks-safety-tips#sthash.bmb7qg6K.dpuf

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:  http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/06/cpsc-science-fireworks-injuries-2013-update/