MUNISING — Enjoying fireworks displays at dusk is synonymous with Fourth of July celebrations, however, Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock wants to remind area residents that fireworks can be deadly.

In 2022, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,200 injuries treated in US hospital emergency rooms, according to statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36 percent of the estimated injuries, and 38 percent of the emergency department-treated injuries were burns.

Brock provides the following guidelines to minimize injuries when putting on at-home fireworks displays:

· Obey the local laws and use common sense.

· Read the fireworks instructions and follow them. If an item looks damaged, do not attempt to use it.

· Purchase fireworks only from reputable established dealers. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. Never attempt to build your own fireworks.

· A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks usage. Children should watch, but not handle fireworks.

· Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time. Do not attempt to combine or mix fireworks at the same time. Fuses have different burn rates. Actions like this invite accidents.

· Use fireworks outdoors away from structures, vehicles and trees.

· Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at anyone. Make sure people and animals maintain a safe distance from the fireworks which are being set off. Use them only outdoors, and away from houses and vehicles.

· Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

· Caution is important. Use protective eye wear and keep a water hose nearby. Don’t try to re-light a dud, but soak it in water for 15 minutes and dispose of properly.

· Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.

· After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding.

· Keep pets inside.

Brock would also like to remind area residents to drink responsibly and to designate a driver — and as always, do not drink and drive.