Fire Officials Offer 5 Fourth of July Survival Tips

Fourth of July is upon us, which means backyard barbecues, street fests, family picnics and must-see fireworks shows.

But before you kick off the patriotic holiday, there's tips local firefighters want you to keep in mind, particularly if you choose to light off firecrackers or illegal fireworks. 

Here's some of the most important tips to avoid injuries, fires and legal consequences, according to North Canton Fire Chief John Bacon and Cuyahoga Falls Fire Lt. Steve Lyons.

1. Adult supervision is a must. Don't light anything without one or more responsible adults around watching your every move. 

2. Be aware of your surroundings and be cognizant of where your firecrackers or fireworks are going to land. This will help prevent hot ash from hitting potentially flammable materials. 

3. Sparklers can easily light children's clothes on fire. They also can cause severe burns due to the heat they produce. Use extreme caution. 

4. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case of an emergency. 

5. If you hear sirens, your neighbors have likely called the police on you. If you break the law by using illegal fireworks, be ready for the legal repercussions.