My fireworks safety tip is to attend a professional show and leave the lighting to the experts. Kids under 15 in 2007, were the highest age group to show up at the ER, and this is repeated every year. Most injuries were burns followed by bruises and cuts.
I knew a young man who was 18 and was working as a mechanic. On a previous fourth of July he was lighting fireworks and lost three fingers on his right hand, and two on his left. His dream of making a living as a mechanic ended that night.
Not only do people get hurt, but cars and buildings are accidently set on fire, resulting in millions of dollars in damage across the country. About 20 years ago I saw a group of people in the alley lighting fireworks. They were trying to be careful, but despite their best efferts, one of the things they lit shot across the ground and went under a garage door. An hour later the garage was engulfed in flames and the homeowner lost her car, a motorcycle, and the structure itself. This is not an isolated story, it happens somewhere every fourth.
It’s nice to have a private show, but the risk of injury and loss of property is just not worth it, not to mention that it’s illegal in many states. Go to a show and see great fireworks!