Lots of fireworks are now legal. Here's how not to get hurt

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Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. And now it's legal in Georgia to sell, buy and possess many types of fireworks. But do you know how to safely handle them?

Most people believe sparklers are safer than fireworks. Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees F, hot enough to melt some metals. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about 16 percent of fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers. The CPSC says children younger than 12 should not handle sparklers. Also, the wire stays hot long after the sparkler burns out, so it's a good idea to keep a bucket of water nearby to put the used wires in (also in case a fire is ignited). For more safety tips on sparklers, click here.

People believe it's safe to hold a Roman candle in their hand while it shoots its colorful stars into the air. This is not a good idea. Not only do you risk human error, but there could be manufacturing problems that cause the candle to misfire. If the stars (usually 10 per candle) get compressed in the tube, they can blow out through the sides. Always use a special holder for Roman candles, or stick them in the ground. For more about how Roman candles are made and for safety tips, click here.

You should never try to relight or pick up firecrackers that do not explode. You also should never throw firecrackers at another person. Never let children pick up pieces of firecrackers after an event. Some might still go off. It's also a good idea to keep pets indoors. Animals have sensitive ears, and the constant explosions can stress them out. For more firecracker safety tips, click here.

Bottle rockets can cause serious eye injuries that result in a loss of vision. Children should never launch bottle rockets, and adults should wear safety glasses when lighting them. Also, despite their name, the rockets should be places in the ground and not in a bottle, which can explode and send glass shards into the air.

There will be an extensive variety of fireworks available for purchase, but basic safety rules apply to all of them: Use common sense; always buy legal, marked fireworks from a reputable dealer; never light them indoors; and wear safety goggles. For an complete list of safety guidelines, click here.

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Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. And now it's legal in Georgia to sell, buy and possess many types of fireworks. But do you know how to safely handle them?

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