No one should spend tonight in the emergency room because somebody got a little reckless with fireworks.

The professionals were scheduled to wow the crowds in St. John the Baptist and St. Charles Parishes last night, so it’s best to keep it safe tonight with Fourth of July fireworks.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported fireworks caused nearly 18,000 fires and $32 million in property damages in 2011 alone.

Unfortunately, this type of carelessness is not solely focused on national celebrations, as fireworks-related accidents send 230 people to the emergency room every day in the time surrounding the holiday.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Louisianians fireworks use routinely causes catastrophic damage and unnecessary deaths because residents do not handle them with care.

The National Fire Protection Association reported more than 11,000 people were treated or hospitalized for fireworks-related injuries to the hands, feet and head in 2013. In the U.S., children younger than age 5 experience a higher estimated per capita injury rate than any other age group. Unfortunately, consumers all to often feel comfortable handing off fireworks perceived to be less powerful to children.

Sparklers can burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals and cause irreparable damage to our most precious children.

Common sense should be used in all dealings with fireworks.

• A responsible adult must supervise all firework activities.

• Never give fireworks to children.

• Save your alcohol for after the show.

• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit lasfm.org.