The Troy Police Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health are encouraging everybody to have an enjoyable Fourth of July, but more importantly a safe one.

The ADPH reminds the public that fireworks continue to pose a danger and urge vigilance to protect families from injuries related to them.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 9,000 fireworks-related injuries treated in U. S. hospital emergency departments last year. Two-thirds of those injuries occurred on or near Independence Day.

The TPD said the best way to enjoy fireworks this year, will be to watch the Veterans Memorial Stadium fireworks show, Sunday night at 8:30 p.m.

Law enforcement will be on high alert throughout the weekend.

“TPD officers will be out patrolling throughout the city and helping people have a safe holiday,” Everage said.

“We are going to be emphasizing traffic safety and fireworks safety.”

It is illegal to buy, sell or discharge fireworks within the Troy city limits.

The TPD encourages those outside city limits to observe the laws of those jurisdictions and practice extreme caution when discharging fireworks.

The ADPH estimated 800 injuries associated with sparklers last year, 300 with bottle rockets and 900 injuries involving firecrackers.

Children under 15 accounted for 40 percent of the estimated injuries.

Most injuries involved extremities and eyes.

The ADPH offered the following tips to stay safe when celebrating the nations birthday:

Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers; read and follow all the warnings and instructions.

Use fireworks outdoors only; keep them away from houses and flammable materials.

Have a bucket of water nearby.

Do NOT try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water and throw them away.

Be sure other people are a safe distance away before lighting fireworks.

Never ignite fireworks in a container – especially a glass or metal one.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place according to their specific storage instructions.

Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.

Do not wear loose clothing near a fire or while using fireworks.

Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher, not a bottle.

Individuals under age 18 should be supervised.

Do not let children younger than 14 years of age use fireworks.

Light sparklers one at a time at arm’s length. Always wear gloves while holding a sparkler and never give one to a child under 5 years of age.