With summer holiday cookouts there is also, sometimes, fireworks. Many people do not realize how many injuries and deaths occur each year with the use of fireworks.

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According to a study of firework injuries by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

18 deaths occurred with the use of fireworks in a three-year period (2000-2002).

8,800 injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2002 (5,700 of them over the 4th of July holiday).

Three times more men than women are injured by fireworks.

Children under 15 are especially vulnerable and account for half the injuries.

Sparklers caused 1,500 injuries, firecrackers 1,000 injuries in 2002.

Hands, eyes, and head/face/ears are the most injured parts of the body.

Two-thirds of the injuries involve burns.

To keep your family safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends these 10 safety measures:

1. Children should never play with fireworks, even sparklers. Sparklers can start clothing on fire very quickly.
   
   
2. If older children use fireworks, they should be well supervised by an adult, and they should not run or fool around while using fireworks.
   
   
3. Fireworks should be only used outdoors, and should be kept away from flammable materials, including dry grasses and leaves.
   
   
4. A bucket of water should be handy for both emergencies and for dousing "duds" (ie, fireworks that don't go off and which should not be re-lit).
   
   
5. Keep all participants away from fireworks before lighting them, including yourself. Keep your body as far away as possible when lighting fireworks.
   
   
6. Never put fireworks in a container, especially one of glass or metal.
   
   
7. To avoid a chain reaction, unused fireworks should be kept far away from the single fireworks that is being lit.
   
   
8. Fireworks should be stored in a dry, cool place; follow the storage instructions on the package.
   
   
9. Follow all your local laws.
   
   
10. Don't use homemade fireworks.
    
    

• Keep everyone calm, especially the injured person.
  
  
• Drop and roll if your clothes catch on fire.
  
  
• Seek medical help for burns.
  
  
• Do not rub, rinse, or use medication on an eye injury. Get medical help immediately, even if the injury seems mild.
  
  

Injuries from fireworks are more common than most people think. Protect your family by following these 10 simple rules of fireworks safety.