With Independence Day in the U.S. approaching fast, chances are you've got some plans that include fireworks. Parents of toddlers might be tempted to go with "safe" fireworks like sparklers. Did you know, though, that sparklers can burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold?

"Fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using them," said Dr. Enrique Enguidanos, MD, emergency physician, Providence Everett Medical Center. "And all of these injuries are 100 percent preventable."

Dr. Enguidanos, along with Rick Robinson, assistant fire chief of the Everett Fire Department, demonstrated the extreme dangers of an innocent- looking sparkler -- which many parents give to very small children.

"Sparklers, which burn at between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees -- hot enough to melt gold -- can cause severe burns and permanent scarring," said Dr. Enguidanos. "Hot sparklers can cause second and third degree burns when children step on them with bare feet. Burns to other parts of the body, including the eyes, can happen when children run around or into each other with the sparklers."

Exploding fireworks -- even those purchased at legal stands -- are also extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury to the individuals lighting the fireworks as well as bystanders.

Fireworks are not legal in many areas. People should check with their local fire departments to see what is permitted in specific areas. If fireworks are permitted, it is important to make sure all members of the family understand fireworks safety. Some tips for a safe Fourth of July include:

Buy fireworks only from licensed retail outlets;

Never hold fireworks in your hand or throw them;

Don't lean over fireworks or relight duds;

Have an adult present;

Know your local emergency numbers, your address/location and basic first aid.

"Above all parents must supervise their children and use extreme caution when lighting fireworks," said Robinson. "The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to attend a public display and leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. The shows are spectacular and safe. Make it a family tradition."

"Physicians are particularly concerned with injuries during the Fourth of July holiday because our emergency rooms are already over-crowded and the system is stressed to the limit," said Jeffrey Collins, MD, president, Washington State Medical Association. "Excess capacity only causes more delays in an already over-burdened system."

Source: Washington State Medical Association