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In just a few days, we’ll be celebrating the start of 2023 — a time for reflection, family gatherings and fireworks. Just looking back and comparing to last year is a reason to shoot off some fireworks.

But fireworks can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. 

According to the National Safety Council, in 2017, eight people died and more than 12,000 others were injured badly enough by fireworks to seek medical attention. Roughly half of those injuries were to people under 20, including children.

The NSC recommends the following tips for fireworks safety:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks
• It’s also been recommended to just let the professionals handle the fireworks, something we’ve heard from the LaGrange Fire Department in the past. 

Whatever you do this holiday, we encourage you to take precautions to be as safe as possible.