With the Fourth of July around the corner, you can expect this upcoming weekend to be filled with not only large crowds and the smell of smoky barbecue, but loud crackles and colorful skies. 

Fireworks are among the most popular Independence Day tradition, but statistics claim they're also one of the most dangerous. Last year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that the holiday saw 14,700 injuries and 11 deaths, all related to the mishandling of the bright frenzies. 

Accidental burns, explosions, fires —you name it —a lot can go wrong when proper caution is not taken. 

Here are some tips to stay safe when using fireworks, as stated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

• Use fireworks only outside and have water nearby (in a bucket or hose) in case of an accident.
• Only light one firework at a time. DHS stated that lighting multiple fuses at once can cause the fuse to burn faster than designed. 
• Do not stand directly over a firework or hold one in your hand while lighting.  Use a stem lighter.
• Do not consume alcohol when using fireworks. 
• Create a safety perimeter. For ground-based fireworks, spectators should stand at least 35 feet away from the display area. For aerial fireworks, spectators should be at least 150 feet away from the launch site. 
• Beware of duds. If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to approach or relight it. The DHS recommends that to prevent injuries from a delayed explosion, you should disarm the firework by letting the duds sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then submerge them in a bucket of water. 
• Before discarding fireworks, soak both used and unused ones in water for a few hours. 

Also, don't forget to supervise children when using sparklers.  The DHS stated that they burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can quickly ignite clothing. 

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