Planning to set off your own fireworks? Here's how to stay safe

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Fireworks are a time-honored way to ring in the Fourth of July, but they can also be dangerous.

Twelve thousand people ended up in the hospital and eight people died across the country in 2017 due to fireworks accidents, mostly in June and July, according to reports.

Channel 2's Kristen Holloway spoke with Cobb County firefighters, who said they've seen numerous injuries and house fires over the years. They are hoping to prevent that this year by encouraging people to go to professional fireworks shows.

Cobb County firefighter James Kapish said every year, tons of people get hurt on the Fourth of July trying to set off their own displays.

"Adults, children get burns on their hands, arms, face," Kapish said. "We (also) see a lot of house fires, unfortunately, and a lot comes from people not lighting the fireworks in a clear, open space. They're just lighting them in their driveyway."

If you do plan to light your own fireworks this holiday, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

First and foremost, you have to be 18 years old to set off fireworks in the state of Georgia. You also must be at least 10 feet away from another person when you light sparklers.

Kapish also warns that you need to set them off in an open area, never put your body directly over the fuse and quickly back away once you light the fuse.

"Even sparklers can be very dangerous and cause severe burns," Kapish said. "If you're using sparklers, make sure you are at least 10 feet away from anyone else."

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Kapish said the clea-up process is just as important.

"After you light them, you want to make sure you put them out," Kapish said. "Have a bucket of water handy or a hose line. Squirt the fireworks with water and make sure they're completely out before you throw them away in a trash can."

Every firework has a set of instructions explaining how to safely handle the firework at home.

"We want everyone to have fun," Kapish said. "Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, and we want everyone to celebrate but be safe."

Cox Media Group