Of course, fireworks are dangerous. We all know the risks associated with a backyard pyrotechnic display with friends and family. However, despite that knowledge, we just can't seem to resist shooting off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. We know this because every year, the physicians and staff at St. Joe Hospital treat too many patients for fireworks related injuries. 

Fireworks may be fun, but they need to be taken seriously. According to a recent study conducted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 10,000 people a year are hospitalized due to fireworks. Of those 10,000, almost 6,000 of those cases occurred during the two weeks leading up to and following the July Fourth holiday weekend. Perhaps the most devastating statistic of all is that nearly 33% of those victims are under the age of 15.

In the interest of helping keep you and your family safe this holiday weekend, we talked with Fort Wayne Fire Department Chief Pete Kelly, Fire Marshal Jim Murua and Deputy Chief Eric Lahey to learn more about firework safety and accident prevention from the fire experts! Here's what they told us:

Are fireworks legal? And if so, when am I allowed to use them?
Fireworks are legal. In fact, here in Indiana, anyone over the age of 18 can buy them. However, children under the age of 18 MUST have adult supervision. According to the most recent laws governing the use of fireworks, including noise ordinances, fireworks can be used during the following times:

• 5pm to 11pm from June 29 through July 3
• 5pm to 11pm from July 5 through July 9
• 10am to midnight on July Fourth.  

Remember to adhere to the time restrictions. Every year, we receive a lot of calls which result in noise ordinance violations and substantial fines. We recommend everyone goes to a fireworks display put on by trained professionals. It's the safest way to celebrate the holiday!

What should parents do if they do plan on putting on a fireworks show for friends and family?
Most fireworks related injuries impact the face and hands. If an accident does occur, seek medical attention immediately. For a complete list of safety tips, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's web site. You'll find several PDFs detailing ways to help keep your family safe. Here are some things to consider if you do plan on using fireworks at home: 

• Be aware of your wind directions. Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and make sure you ignite fireworks with the prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators.
• Be considerate of pets. Many dogs react with fear when they hear loud, unfamiliar sounds.
• Be considerate of your neighbors and obey those time restrictions. Also, make sure you clean up any debris that may land in their yards.  
• It's important to find a very level place, like a driveway, to light off your fireworks. If not, you run the risk of a firework tipping over and potentially risking serious injury to spectators. Seriously.    

What's the dumbest thing you've seen someone do with fireworks?
We've seen it all. Kids will try just about anything. And usually, it ends up causing injury to themselves or others around them. We can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep an eye on your kids. Fireworks are capable of burning down trees, garages and even houses. We make runs on calls that all started with somebody doing something unsafe. Again, be responsible with fireworks and use your best judgment. If it seems like a bad idea, it probably is.   

We understand the ignited end of a sparkler can reach 1,200 degrees. What kind of advice do you have for families who choose to pull out a box of these for the party?
So many parents think sparklers are a "safer" firework. The truth is, sparklers typically account for almost a third of all fireworks related injuries. And we're talking about kids under 5 years old. Don't be fooled by sparklers. If you do plan on having sparklers at your party, make sure you have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby before lighting anything. Be sure you keep fireworks away from clothing, blankets and anything that can catch on fire. Also dispose of sparklers properly so people don't step on them or grab them while they're still hot.

We'd like to thank the Fort Wayne Fire Department for taking the time to share this valuable information with us. Remember, be safe and have fun this Fourth of July!