Most people love a good fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

And now that certain types of fireworks are legal in Minnesota (see Living for a breakdown of the new fireworks laws), people are flocking to every store, gas station and tent that offers them.

But buyer beware, even though only non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks are being sold, they can be as dangerous as their illegal cousins.

"Even though the legalized fireworks appear to be the safer varieties, any fireworks can be dangerous if used improperly," said State Fire Marshal Tom Brace.

Austin Fire Chief Dan Wilson says adult supervision and following the directions printed on the fireworks' labels are the most important steps to take to prevent injury. "All of the legal fireworks have labels that say they should be lit under adult supervision and that the firework should be on the ground when it's lit," he said.

Not everyone follows these directions and that can lead to dangerous situations. For instance, Wilson said, he was driving in the southwest part of Austin last week and saw two children, between 10 and 11 years old, standing on the sidewalk, straddling their bikes and one "was holding an object away from him and the other reached over and lit it." The child who lit the object was standing downwind of it and was showered with sparks. Wilson says the child panicked, tripped on her bike and fell down.

"She wasn't seriously hurt, I don't think there were any burn injuries, but boy, she sure did react," he said.

Fortunately, the situation wasn't any worse, but following safety guidelines could have prevented it in the first place, Wilson says.

The State Fire Marshal's office expands on Wilson's safety tips with guidelines of their own for fireworks consumers. In addition to following the directions and using fireworks only under adult supervision, consumers are advised to:

n Ignite fireworks outside, away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush or combustible materials.

n Keep people acting in an irresponsible manner or under the influence of drugs or alcohol from handling or discharging fireworks.

n Store fireworks in a cool, dry location, away from sources of ignition.

n Prevent fireworks from becoming wet and not use them when dried after becoming wet.

n Refrain from carrying fireworks in your pockets or on your person.

n Keep lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes or open flames away from fireworks.

n Never throw fireworks or aim them at another person, animal or building.

n Light only one firework device at a time and then quickly move away from the device.

n Stay clear of fireworks that were lit, yet failed to go off, for an extended period of time. Then, soak the device in water before handling it again.

n Approach the firework from the side and light it while keeping your body away from the item.

n Never relight malfunctioning fireworks. Defects should be reported to the seller or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

n Never experiment with fireworks, make your own fireworks or alter them in any manner.

By following these guidelines and using common sense, the State Fire Marshal's office says Minnesotans can enjoy the legalized fireworks safely.

"This is a day of joy and pride and we want Minnesotans to have fun. We urge every family that chooses to use fireworks to be sure they're legal, take proper preventative steps and then have a wonderful time this Fourth of July," said Minnesota's Commissioner of Public Safety, Charlie Weaver.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com