Independence Day is a popular holiday for fireworks, both on a large and small scale, and local fire officials are warning residents and their children to use caution if they choose to have fireworks at home.
Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers said fireworks aren't toys and using them requires adult supervision and caution.
"These are dangerous explosives that are gun powder-based and they absolutely can cause serious harm," Shivers said,
Shivers said his agency sees a spike in burn injuries, small explosion injuries, especially to the eyes, and facial injuries related to fireworks each year.
One way to avoid some of those problems is proper adult supervision. Shivers said children under 12 shouldn't touch fireworks, and even sparklers can be dangerous.
"The things that seem the simplest, that seems to be the most innocent, are actually one of the more dangerous components. Some sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 degrees," Shivers said.
He also said despite the name, to never put a bottle rocket in an actual bottle. "The glass can explode, the high temperatures, the compression that's caused by them sometimes when they launch off can be dangerous," Shivers said.
Duds, or fireworks that don't go off, should also be treated with caution. "Leave it where it is. Come back and get it later, douse it in water, then dispose of it. They could be a very slow burner and light off at an unexpected time."
Aside from adult supervision, Shivers also encouraged any fireworks activities to have at least one bucket of water handy to extinguish used fireworks or duds, as well as a first aid kit nearby.
The safest thing to do, Shivers said, is to leave the fireworks to a the professionals.
"Gather the family up, pack a little picnic and some lawn chairs and you can have a grand time at one of the professionally-shot shows in the area."
