Nationally, more than $36 million in property is damaged each year due to fireworks.

The Fourth of July also is responsible for many burn injuries associated with premature detonation or misuse of fireworks. Most burn injuries on the Fourth of July. These are only the numbers of fireworks injuries reported to hospital emergency rooms. Because many injuries are not treated in emergency rooms, experts believe the total number of fireworks injuries may be far more.

Most fireworks burn injuries involve children. These are usually burns to the hands and eyes causing vision impairment and disfiguring scars. Sparklers are the biggest danger to children. A tip temperature at the end of the sparkler reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily cause a burn.

Yes, people can die from fireworks and the fires they cause. In 1985, 26 people were killed this way in other parts of the country. That's a large improvement compared to 1902, when fireworks were legal in most states. In that year, fireworks and fireworks-related fires killed more than 200 people. The only difference is they were killed there and not here. But dead is dead.

Leave fireworks to the professionals.

Restrictions on fireworks are for a good cause. No matter how small or large a fireworks may be, it is a potential fire starter. But it is still possible to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. Families can consult the newspaper or local activity calendar and attend one of several approved, licensed fireworks displays around the county.