Summer is here and that means that the Fourth of July is on the horizon.

Every year, news reports seem to come out focusing firework safety and accidents. But did you know that the entire month of June and through Independence Day is National Firework Safety Month?

Fireworks are a beloved tradition for many celebrations throughout the year, but there are laws and regulations throughout the country that permit the sale and usage of certain types of fireworks to the public.

For information on what constitutes legal consumer fireworks, look up the Kentucky statutes that explain the legality of fireworks at http://www.lrc.ky.gov.

There is a reason why certain fireworks are legal and for public use while others are only for professional use only — fireworks are explosive devices. According to consumersafety.org, even the most common and seemingly harmless fireworks such as sparklers can pose a significant danger. Sparklers have been reported to cause injury in children and can light clothing on fire.

A quick guide to illegal fireworks is anything adorned with an M. M-80s, M-100s, M-250s and cherry bombs are all illegal because they aren’t produced with any consistent quality standards.

Basic firework safety comes down to common sense. Use caution and follow the directions on the fireworks to avoid common injuries to the hands and arms.

Fireworks meant to be planted in the ground should never be held in the hand when lit. Face and eye injuries are also common due to standing too close to fireworks as they go off. Always make sure to stand as far away from a lit firework. There is no such thing as being too cautious.

Wearing safety glasses, using fireworks in open outside spaces, and keeping a bucket of water nearby just in case are all simple ways to ensure safety.

Also, never carry fireworks in your pocket as the friction could indeed light them.