The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following tips when using fireworks:

— Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

— Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper, often a sign that they were manufactured for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

— Always have an adult supervise fireworks use.

— Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

— Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

— Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

— Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

— Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

— Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

— Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of a fire or other mishap.

— After fireworks finish burning, douse them with plenty of water before discarding them to prevent a trash fire.

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and...