Be Safe, Avoid Fireworks Injuries This July 4th

With burn bans, excessive heat and local regulations, there are few places in St. Louis County where personal firework use is permitted this Fourth of July.

If you are going to use firecrackers, remember to watch out for dry conditions. 

The Red Cross also offers these helpful safety tips for personal firework usage.

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.