Anyone planning to enjoy fireworks this weekend should take advantage of the City of Troy’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Friday night. 

The fireworks show will be held on the campus of Troy University. Veterans Memorial provides excellent seating and a great view for the 8:30 p.m. fireworks show. 

However, anyone who wishes to celebrate the Fourth with their own fireworks should be aware of the danger presented by fireworks. In 2024, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission data showed that there were more than 14,700 people treated for fireworks related injuries in emergency rooms across the county. Eleven people were killed in fireworks related accidents. 

The breakdown indicated 37 percent of the injuries were burns, 22 percent of the injuries were to the head, face or ears and 36 percent of the injuries were to the hands or fingers. 

In addition, children under the age of 15 account for 28 percent of the injuries and sparklers accounted for 29 percent of the injuries to children under the age of five.  

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, fireworks are responsible for igniting more than 31,000 fires each year. 

If you decide to set fireworks off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:  

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.  
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.   
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.  
• Discuss safety procedures with children, including teaching them to “stop, drop, and roll.”  
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.   
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.  
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.  
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.  
• Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.  
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.  
• If you have unused or misfired “duds” you need to dispose of after the festivities, follow these tips to do so safely:  
• Submerge fireworks in water and let soak overnight.  
• Wrap the soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or plastic bags to keep them from drying out.