This is the time of year when we get the call from doctors and safety experts cautioning the public about fireworks.
They have hurt a lot of people and even killed a few in recent years.
From 2000 to 2008, the number of fireworks set off by individuals and in major displays has risen from 152 million pounds to 213 million pounds, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.
During the same time, the official count of injuries has declined from 11,000 to 7,000, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. But that doesn't mean vigilance isn't required.
The safety commission says the number of emergency department-treated injuries tends to fluctuate between 8,300 and 10,800 – the high number of injuries in 2000 may be related to millennium celebrations.
Children 15 and younger accounted for 40 percent of the estimated injuries.
Most often, injuries were to hand and fingers, eyes and legs. More than half were from burns. The eyes tended to be damaged by foreign objects.
In Maryland, residents are only legally allowed: sparklers containing no chlorates or percholorates, ground based sparkling devices that are non-aerial and non-explosive, and are labeled in accordance with the requirements from the safety commission.
But, of course, that doesn't stop residents from driving to Pennsylvania to buy all kinds of other fireworks.
If you fall in that category, the National Council of Fireworks Safety offers these tips:
+Use fireworks outdoors only.
+Always have water handy, as in a hose or a bucket.
+Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
+Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
+Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
+Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
+Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
+Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you. Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Baltimore Sun fire photo/Gene Sweeney Jr.
PS Here's a video from the mission that involves a lot of things that blow up: