Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, but fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.

Family outings to East Tennessee Fourth of July celebrations or the September Boomsday can be a great spectacle for children. However, in 2004, more than 9,600 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries and nearly 40 percent of these were children under age 15.

We want all children to have the opportunity to enjoy activities such as July 4th and local festivals that include fireworks," said Dr. Lise Christiansen, East Tennessee Children's Hospital Emergency Medical Physician. "Most injuries are preventable with proper supervision, and not allowing children to light or hold fireworks will ensure that no one will have to miss the show because they are on the way to the Emergency Department."

If your city, unlike Knoxville, allows home fireworks, here are a few safety tips that are recommended by the medical staff at Children's Hospital and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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