“All fireworks are sampled and tested,” Colson said. “If one is aerial, for example, it has to prove it will burn out before anything hits the ground.”

One of the top fireworks manufacturers, Black Cat, even advertises its products as “meeting or exceeding” all the required standards, indicating how safe the industry now is.

“You just don’t hear about accidents and silly things like we used to,” Colson said. “People are pretty aware of the dangers. Labeling and packaging have gotten a lot better.”

Even with the fireworks industry’s progress, Colson stresses that parents and children use fireworks together. Parental guidance now could lead to a lifetime of safe summer celebrations.

“I grew up doing fireworks,” said Lee Ann Dunn, mother of two small children. “They can be scary if you don’t know much about them, so I’ll definitely have my girls watch them and see how it’s done correctly.”

Even if safety is necessary for the season, creativity can be a mom’s best friend.

“When I was a kid, we choreographed our fireworks shows,” said Dunn. “So I think you can make the safety part the fun part.”

Treating injuries
But even the most attentive moms cannot protect children from everything. Luckily, the most common injuries of the season are easy to take care of at home.

“The simplest and safest thing to do for a burn is to wash it quickly with soap and water,” said Leslie Allen, charge nurse of the emergency room at Freeman Hospital West. “Submerge extremities in cool water to stop the burning.”

She recommends soaking minor burns for up to 30 minutes. Sometimes, though, there are boo-boos even moms should not try to heal.

“If the burn is around the eyes, seek medical care,” Allen said. “Also, if pain increases or remains after soaking it for quite a while, you should get it looked at.”

Fortunately, there are plenty of medical facilities in the Four-State area ready to help with firework-related accidents. Most of them will not be expecting to see children, however.

“Surprisingly, most accidents are from adults,” Allen said. “Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix.”

More safety tips

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.

• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.

• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.

• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.

• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.

• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

• Observe local laws.

• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.

• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.

• Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission