Firework safety: Don't get burned this Fourth of July Published July 2, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Independence Day is around the corner, which means fireworks will soon light up the night sky. While celebrating this holiday, use caution while handling fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks led to more than 11,400 reported injuries in 2013. There were an estimated 2,300 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers, 300 from bottle rockets and 800 due to firecrackers. "The worst incident I've seen was when a bottle rocket misfired and landed on a roof that then caught fire," said Jarvis Amos, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire prevention chief. Below are some firework safety tips: Never disassemble fireworks. Don't point sparklers or fireworks at others, especially when being lit. Light fireworks on the ground and in dry and fire resistant areas. Don't attempt to light multiple devices at the same time. Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Have a fire extinguisher ready. Remember, fireworks are prohibited on base. The only exception is when approved or licensed pyrotechnics perform a firework display or a training exercise, according to Hurlburt Field Instruction 32-2001. "If you must use fireworks, ensure they are always used outdoors, on a flat surface, and never pick up dud fireworks," Amos said. "[Avoid using fireworks] while under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs." For more information about firework safety, contact the 1st SOCES at (850) 884-6715.