With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, Vincennes and Vincennes Township as well as all area fire departments are urging residents to celebrate safely.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause about 19,500 fires and send more than 9,000 people to emergency rooms across the country each year. The most common injuries are to hands and fingers, followed by legs and eyes. Burns make up nearly half of the injuries seen around July 4th.

Children under 15 account for more than a third of all fireworks-related injuries, and males make up about 64 percent of those hurt. Officials also warn that sparklers can reach temperatures up to 1,200 degrees — hot enough to melt glass.

Local fire officials remind families that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional show. They also suggest fun alternatives like glow sticks, outdoor movie nights, or patriotic crafts to keep the holiday festive and safe.