ELKINS — Fireworks have always been a staple of Independence Day celebrations and it has become increasingly easy in recent years for West Virginians to find a local city or county celebrating the Fourth of July with a public display.

And the same can be said for residents who want to purchase their own fireworks and put on their own show. That’s because many cities in the state typically have multiple sales tents set up around the holiday.

If you happen to be a resident that purchased fireworks in preparation for July 4, there are some rules, regulations, and safety tips to follow that will help prevent injuries or laws from being broken.

Consumer fireworks are prohibited and illegal inside Elkins city limits according to City Code.That includes firecrackers, rockets, roman candles and other fireworks that fire into the air or explode.

Handheld products such as sparklers, or ground-based products such as fountains, snakes, and smoke bombs, are permitted. The City of Elkins would like to remind residents that fireworks can also trigger PTSD, frighten pets and harm wildlife.

Approximately 13,000 Americans are injured by fireworks each year with a majority of incidents requiring emergency room treatment. Most injuries take place on Independence Day with the most common being burns to the hands, fingers, and head. Sparklers, which are perceived as safe, account for about 1,300 hospital visits annually.

The National Safety Council offers the following tips for fireworks safety.

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks – those small sparklers are actually among the most dangerous fireworks to handle.

• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.

• Never light fireworks indoors.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.

• Never ignite fireworks in a container.

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.