"Too often, we get caught up in the celebration and forget to think about fire safety and prevention," said United States Fire Administrator Carrye B. Brown. "Fire safety should be an integral part of our Independence Day celebration."

Each year, more than 11,000 people in the United States are injured from fireworks. Most injuries occur because of misuse rather than poor manufacturing. If you plan to use fireworks as part of your celebration this year, the USFA recommends the following safety tips to ensure a fun and safe 4th of July:

* Observe local laws. Check with your local police or fire department to determine what fireworks can be legally discharged in your area. Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks.
Note: Fireworks are illegal in the State of Massachusetts...

* Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous if unsupervised.

* Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Only light one at a time, and move quickly away.

* Make sure you give yourself enough room in a safe location - away from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials.

* Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and to douse used sparklers.

* Watch what you wear. Loose clothing can catch fire, and should not be worn while handling fireworks.

* Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak them with water and throw away.

"By following a few fire safety measures, we can help create a safe environment and prevent an unfortunate accident," added Administrator Brown. "It is always important to keep fire safety in mind, even after the fireworks fade."