Fourth of July brings reminder about fireworks safety

 For many Americans the Fourth of July is a favorite holiday, but it can also be deadly.

Last year there were seven fireworks related deaths and thousands of injuries.

And though they put out a warning every year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says, this year, people are likely to die again.

In Arthur, Illinois, a recent fireworks show lit up more than the night sky.

"We were just engulfed in showers of sparks. It was being propelled at us it wasn't just falling on us," one witness said. "People were screaming. It wasn't like 'yah!' it was like 'Oh my God, get out of here!'"

It was an accident with only minor injuries, but just one more eason the Consumer Product Safety Commission is hoping to get your attention before this holiday weekend.

According to CPSC estimates, in 2008 about 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework related injuries, many of them children.

Sparklers are a favorite for kids on the holiday. Those sparklers get their light and color because they burn at an intense 1800 degrees. Children should never use them unattended.

The CPSC says common sense can go a long way to keeping everyone safe this holiday.

The CPSC reminds everyone to:

• Never hold fireworks
• Never pick up or try to relight 'dud' fireworks
• Never use illegal, high powered fireworks
• Always keep water near-by
• Always keep children away