Tribune editorial staff

Our country's birthday is upon us again, and most of us will celebrate this Independence Day as a day away from work spent with family and friends.

Some will enjoy backyard barbecues while others will enjoy backyard fireworks. On July 4, many choose to buy and set off their own fireworks. But whatever your July 4 activities may be, safety has to remain a top priority.

Most have heard of the dangers associated with setting off fireworks, but many don't seem to listen. All we have to do is go back seven years to the Scottown fireworks tragedy to see just how dangerous fireworks can be.

In its annual report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states four people were killed and an estimated 8,800 more were treated for fireworks-related injuries last year alone. Of those injured, an estimated 5,700 were treated during the one-month study period surrounding the Fourth of July holiday (June 21-July 21, 2002).

As safety should be a concern to those thinking about purchasing fireworks, so should the law.

In Ohio, it is illegal to possess fireworks, but it is legal for licensed dealers to sell them. In 1986, the Ohio Legislature enacted a law that allows state-licensed stores to sell fireworks to residents and non-residents, but it is still illegal to light those fireworks in the state. Because of this law, consumers must sign a form stating they will take the fireworks out the state within 48 hours of purchase. On the form, the buyer has to state where outside the state the fireworks will be taken.

It is a first-degree misdemeanor to falsify the address on the form, and it is also a first-degree misdemeanor to discharge the fireworks in Ohio. First-time offenders can be sentenced up to six months in jail and fined up to $1,000.

This year, instead of setting off illegal fireworks, opt for a professional display. By leaving the fireworks display to the professionals, no one will be put in harm's way and you won't take the chance of being prosecuted.