With Independence Day almost here, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York warns residents that fireworks are illegal to own or use by anyone other than licensed professionals in New York State.

FASNY also urges families to learn more about the harm that fireworks can cause to people and property.

“Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a locally-sponsored display in your neighborhood,” said FASNY President Jim Burns. “Attending public fireworks displays is the safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks every July 4th holiday. The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10–14 as for the general population.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported for calendar year 2012 the deaths and injuries involving legal and illegal fireworks: six men who were killed by professional-grade, homemade or banned firework devices and an estimated 8,700 consumers treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. About 1,000 reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets - fireworks that are frequently and incorrectly considered safe for young children. Sixty percent of all fireworks injuries occur during the 30 days surrounding the July 4th holiday.

FASNY says it’s important to remember how dangerous sparklers can be. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

Always make sure to follow these safety tips:

• The safest and best way to avoid injury is to view fireworks displays by trained professionals.

• Obey and respect any and all public safety barriers set up around the site of a professional fireworks show.

• Resist the temptation to get close to the firing site. Often, the best view of a professional display is from a quarter of a mile or more away.

• Leave your pets at home - the loud noise can scare animals and damage their hearing.

• Do not possess or shoot off fireworks without professional help. Besides risking injury, possessing and using fireworks is illegal in New York.

• Do not pick up or attempt to re-light used fireworks – they may still be active and can cause serious burns or injury.