Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, said many families that typically attend professional fireworks displays will be celebrating the holiday weekend with consumer fireworks for the first time — which could increase the number of fireworks-related injuries.

“We’re very concerned for repeat consumer fireworks users, but also this year we think there will be a lot more first-time families choosing to bring the celebration home,” Heckman said.

Alabama’s TNT Fireworks, which celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year. What started as a roadside news stand in Florence, Ala., is now a fourth-generation family business operating in 49 states and Puerto Rico, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. They are encouraging people to be very safe-minded this 4th and issued the following safety tips:

• Always check with your local city and county governments as there may be certain areas and times where consumer fireworks are not permitted
• Only buy legal fireworks from a licensed seller
• Read and follow the directions on the labels
• NEVER give fireworks or sparklers to young children
• NEVER use fireworks in conjunction with alcohol consumption
• Only use consumer fireworks away from homes, buildings and dry grass – on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface, such as concrete, that is free from debris
• Have a working garden hose and/or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies
• NEVER carry a firework in your pocket or hold a lit firework in your hand
• NEVER shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container
• Keep spectators at a safe distance
• Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks
• Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device – even when lighting
• Light only one firework at a time
• NEVER approach or try to re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time
• When finished, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can
• PROTECT YOUR PETS! Animals are often frightened by the sounds of fireworks. Protect your “best friends” by keeping them indoors, secure and away from the loud, sudden noises

First-timers and seasoned fireworks users alike can minimize risk by carefully following the instructions that come with consumer fireworks, according to Heckman.

“It’s very important that consumers thoroughly read all instructions for use, that they discharge their fireworks in an area that is free from debris, dry grass and combustibles,” she said. “They should ignite their fireworks on a flat, level, hard surface.”

Heckman emphasized that children should be watching fireworks and not igniting them. She said this extends to all types of fireworks — even sparklers. Hall said sparklers and bottle rockets are among the fireworks that cause injury most often.

Dr. Tyler Hall, an ophthalmic surgeon at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, said UAB Hospital typically treats between 10 and 15 eye injuries over the holiday weekend, and he’s unsure if there will be an increase in injuries this year due to the increased number of people who may be using consumer fireworks. “I really could see it go either way,” Hall said. “We certainly are prepared for any increase.”

Hall said that if an injury occurs, the best course of option is to head directly to the emergency room. “Don’t try and self-treat, just come to the ER,” he said. “Let the experts handle it.”

Consumer fireworks are prohibited in the city of Madison. The Madison Police Department said in a Facebook post that fireworks ordinances will be “strictly enforced” over the holiday weekend.

For those in search of professional fireworks displays, there will be Independence Day events in Madison, Athens and Huntsville.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host a Patriotic Extravaganza and fireworks show at Toyota Field Stadium in Town Madison. The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. and capping off with fireworks around 9 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person, kids 2 and under do not require a ticket. Parking is $6 per vehicle and available for purchase in advance.

Tickets are available online at TrashPandasBaseball.com/events, in-person at the Toyota Field Ticket Office, or by phone at (256) 325-1403 ext. 1.

According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, temperatures will be in the low 90s this weekend. The forecast is mostly sunny for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but there is a 40% chance of showers and storms after 1 p.m. on Independence Day, and a 50% chance of showers and storms after 1 p.m. on Sunday.