RALEIGH, N.C. — The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, barbecues and fireworks. To ensure you and yours have the best time possible, N.C. Insurance Commissioner and state Fire Marshal Mike Causey is urging North Carolinians to follow a few safety guidelines.

“Fireworks go hand-in-hand with Fourth of July celebrations, but they can be so dangerous if not handled properly. Therefore, our message is simple — leave the fireworks to the professionals,” Causey said in a release. “And while a sizzling grill is a welcome sight and smell during celebrations with families and friends, it is important to make safety a priority.”

The National Fire Protection Association says seven out of 10 adults in the United States have a grill or smoker, and July is the peak month for grill fires.

The following tips from Causey will help keep you safe when grilling up those Independence Day staples:

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors
  • The grill should be placed far away from the home and deck railings
  • Keep children and pets at least 10 feet away from the grill area
  • Never leave your grill unattended and always open the gas grill lid before lighting it
  • If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill

In North Carolina, firework-related injuries accounted for 197 emergency room visits per year, on average, between 2017 and 2021. In 2020, those visits peaked at 229.

Causey says to help reduce the risk for injury, fireworks should not be used at home.

Instead, people should opt to attend public fireworks displays performed by trained professionals licensed by the state.

If you or your child is injured by a firework, officials say to seek medical attention immediately. If an eye injury happens, do not touch or rub it, officials say, because you could cause even more damage.

For more information and additional safety tips, click here.