Now that the summer season has officially begun and people are looking forward to celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks, they should take many precautions to ensure safety.

Albert Lea Fire Department Lt. Al Schallock said when it comes to fireworks, people should follow common sense, wear eye protection and make sure to only allow children to use fireworks under adult supervision.

According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division, in 2007 during June and July there were 67 injuries in the state as a result of fireworks, of which the highest percent happened to people ages 20 to 29.

From 1998 to 2007, there were 603 injuries, of which the highest percent happened to people ages 10 to 19.

Schallock said though the Albert Lea area has been lucky in its number of injuries over the years, that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be careful.

In 2006, U.S. hospitals treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

People should remember that in Minnesota there are certain kinds of fireworks that are not allowed, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells, Schallock said.

“Pretty much if it makes a big bang, it’s not allowed,” he said. “We know they’re out there and we don’t want to dampen people’s fun, but we also have to abide by the law and we want them to use them responsibly.”

Even with fireworks that are permitted, Schallock said, people need to realize that they can be very dangerous, too.

He said sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees at the tip and can cause serious burns.

“When you put that in the hands of a youngster who doesn’t understand that danger, the potential there for problems is high,” Schallock said.

According to a news release issued by the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology, the typical victim of a fireworks injury is young.

“Children 15 years old or younger account for about 50 percent of eye injuries from fireworks in the United States,” the release stated. “For children under five, seemingly harmless sparklers are the source of one-third of all injuries.”

Scott Uttley, president of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology, recommended that people attend a fireworks show rather than doing their own.

Fireworks safety tips:

– Never allow children to play with fireworks of any type.

– View fireworks from a safe distance, at least 500 feet away or up to a quarter of a mile for best viewing.

– Respect safety barriers that pyrotechnicians set up to do their jobs safely.

– Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.

– Follow directions given by ushers at events or by public safety personnel.

– Do not touch the remains of unexploded fireworks.

– Seek medical help immediately if you sustain an eye injury from a firework.

— Information from the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology