Here's How To Avoid A Hospital Visit This July 4th

The Fourth of July can be lots of fun. But, it also comes with some serious safety hazards.

Fireworks are dangerous — an average of 250 people a day end up in the emergency room every year around Independence Day. Burns and injuries to hands and fingers are the most common reason.

Related StoryHow Do Fireworks — Work?

So, here are a few guidelines you should follow: 

— Watch the kids. Don't let them learn the hard way about the dangers of fireworks.

— Avoid professional-grade fireworks. You can tell these apart by the plain brown paper packaging. Professional-grade fireworks pack more punch than Black Cats or Roman candles.

— Keep a source of water nearby in case of a fire. Make sure fireworks are legal wherever you plan on celebrating.

For more firework safety tips, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.