CAMERON COUNTY — The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and in true American tradition, a number of families will shoot their own fireworks; a few reminders to keep you and your family safe.

"Fireworks are mini explosives; that's what they are. They're fun, they're fun to watch, but sometimes they can be dangerous," says Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator, Humberto Barrera.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that last year nearly 10-thousand firework related injuries, even deaths, occurred.

Basic common sense will keep people safe says Barrerra.

"Always know or expect that something might catch fire," says the Emergency Management Coordinator.

He strongly advises using fireworks in only the way they are intended; a couple of don'ts....

"Not to point fireworks toward houses or tall grass," says Barrera.

…and to always have a source of water nearby in case something goes wrong.

Another reminder, officials warn that children should never be allowed to ignite fireworks. Of the nearly 10-thousand cases reported, half of those injured or killed were in fact children under the age of 15.

“Another thing we ask parents is to not allow kids to be unsupervised while popping fireworks. Every year a child gets burned because a firework pops in their hand or a roman candle gets pointed at them," says Barrera.

In order to reduce your risk for injury or starting a fire this Fourth of July holiday, again, practice common sense and you'll likely have a celebration worth remembering.