Shooting off fireworks is standard Fourth of July fare, but something that’s perhaps better left to the experts.

“I would encourage everybody to attend a fireworks show rather than light fireworks on their own. Only 3 percent of injuries from fireworks each year happen at shows,” said Aynsley Anderson, community education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

“But if they insist upon lighting them at home, definitely have a source of water  a hose or a bucket  clean water that they can immerse any burn in. And any type of first aid would be helpful.”

Burns are the most common firecracker-related injury. Anderson says burns from pyrotechnics can lead to blindness and even death in severe cases.

“They can be very seriously burned. In fact, the majority of injuries from fireworks, over 55 percent of them, are burns,” Anderson said.

In the first few seconds after a burn, taking care of it properly is crucial.

“If there’s a burn, probably the first thing they should do is immerse it in cold water, not freezing water and not lukewarm water, but cold water,” Anderson said. “Run it under cold water if possible or immerse it, depending on the size.”

Small burns often can be treated at home, simply by using cold water and a first-aid or burn cream. But larger burns or ones near airwaves, such as the mouth or nose, need professional care.

“If it’s a larger burn or it is blistering, absolutely medical attention needs to be sought,” Anderson said.

So before you light up the sky tonight, you might want to rekindle your knowledge of fireworks and first aid.

“I think sometimes people think, ‘Oh, fireworks are pretty harmless,” Anderson said. “It’s just a fun thing to do on the Fourth of July,’ when, actually, fireworks are considered to be one of the most hazardous products that there are.”