The Fourth of July weekend is almost here, and people throughout the Bay area are getting ready to celebrate.

But with those celebrations comes the potential for injury, as one man found out Wednesday night. Officials said the man was shooting off mortar-type fireworks when one blew up in his hands, causing serious injuries.

As a result, officials are asking people to follow a few simple steps to make sure the holiday stays fun and injury-free.

Fireworks

  • Do not mix the use of fireworks and alcohol.
  • Never give fireworks to small children and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

In Pinellas County, an ordinance bans the sale, purchase and use of fireworks that project into the air and explode. Anyone who wishes to report a problem with illegal fireworks in unincorporated Pinellas County or in one of the cities under contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office are asked to call 727-582-6200.  If you live in another city, call your local police department.

Celebratory gunfire

Celebratory gunfire can be dangerous, as there is no way to control where the bullet will come down. Several people have been injured in recent years by falling bullets.

Officials are reminding revelers that it is illegal to shoot firearms into the air.

Pet safety

  • Leave pets at home and safely indoors during fireworks displays and celebrations.
  • Feed and walk dogs early, before fireworks begin, then settle in for the evening.
  • Provide a "safe room" complete with water bowl, familiar background radio/TV noise, and escape-proof ventilation (no open windows).
  • Never leave pets outdoors, tied in yards, or alone inside vehicles (even with the windows cracked).
  • Take cats indoors to safeguard against the dangers of alternate sheltering (like under engine hoods)

More information is available at the Hillsborough County website.

Boating safety

  • All children should wear a personal floatation device while on a boat.
  • Personal floatation devices should be readily accessible to all occupants of a boat.

Marine deputies will have PFDs on board and will hand them out as needed following boat safety inspections. Those PFDs can be returned at the PCSO Marine Facility (drop-off bin only) located at 19305 Gulf Boulevard in Indian Shores.

Loaner PFDs are also available at:

  • John Chestnut Park located at 2200 East Lake Road S. in Palm Harbor
  • Dunedin City Marina located at 51 Main Street in Dunedin
  • Fort Desoto Boat Ramp located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierra Verde.