With the Fourth of July upon us, let's spend a few minutes reviewing fireworks safety.

If you are going to light them yourself, here are 10 fireworks safety tips to keep in mind:

Tip No. 1 is simple. You should buy your fireworks from a reputable fireworks company. Avoid homemade stuff, avoid stuff imported from other states or countries by a friend, etc. In most states that allow fireworks, stores in the area will begin selling packages of fireworks a couple of weeks before the holiday, and tents from major manufacturers will pop up in shopping center parking lots.

Tip No. 2 is also straightforward. Do not light damaged fireworks. If the firework looks like it's been crushed, or part of it is missing, toss it.

Tip No. 3 is important. Do not try to modify fireworks. Do not try to cut fireworks, enlarge or shrink nozzles, etc. Also, do not try to tape a dozen fireworks together and light them all at once. Leave the fireworks as they came from the manufacturer.

Tip No. 4 seems obvious. Light your fireworks outdoors, in an area where you will not light anything on fire. Get away from buildings, trees, etc. Make sure the ground is not covered with pine, straw or leaves that will catch fire. A big, flat, paved parking lot would be ideal.

Tip No. 5 will keep you out of jail. Do not light fireworks if they are illegal in your area. Laws are different in each city and state, so find out what is allowed. For example, you can buy a lot of stuff in South Carolina that cannot be sold in North Carolina or Georgia. Therefore, South Carolina fireworks need to stay in South Carolina. But while in South Carolina, you are not allowed to light fireworks on many beaches. Be aware of the laws and rules in your area.

Tip No. 6 can avoid an expensive fire. Have a fire extinguisher and/or running water handy. You just never know what can happen with fireworks. A bucket of water should also be available to handle duds.

Tip No. 7 prevents injuries. Make sure your audience is well back (like 30 feet back) before lighting anything. A firework can store a huge amount of chemical energy in a small package. If something goes wrong, distance is your friend.

Tip No. 8 protects everyone nearby, including the person who lights the fireworks. Follow the directions. That means you put one firework on the ground in its intended orientation, light the fuse and get back. Do not hold the firework. Do not stand over the firework or near the firework. People get burned and lose fingers because they forget this rule.

Tip No. 9 prevents surprises. If you light a firework and nothing happens, leave it alone for a few minutes. Then throw it in the bucket of water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then throw it away.

Tip No. 10 prevents a disaster. Obviously you want to be sober when lighting fireworks. No drugs, alcohol, etc. You also don't want your 5-year-old kid lighting fireworks -- adults should light the fuse, while the kids stand back and watch.

Even if you follow all the rules, things can still go wrong. Be aware of the power contained in even the "safest" fireworks.