How do I use fireworks safely?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over two-thirds of injuries from fireworks occur from June 19 to July 19. The best way to be safe and still enjoy the holiday is to leave the fireworks up to the professionals.
 
However, if you insist on doing it yourself, make sure you buy legal fireworks as well as making sure it is legal in your state. And here are some other safety tips to remember:

• If you are going to do it yourself, buy fireworks from a reputable dealer and read the labels.
• Light only one at a time.
• Keep a bucket of water and fire extinguisher handy.
• Don't give any fireworks to children, including sparklers that heat up to blowtorch temperatures.
• Never light them in a container that can explode and produce flying fragments and shrapnel.
• Never try to re-light or handle fireworks that don't go off or malfunction.