Firework safety this Fourth of July

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Every year there are still thousands of people treated at emergency rooms for firework accidents, despite ongoing efforts to ensure safety.

Officials say many accidents happen because of lack of common sense or a lapse in judgment.

in 2011 alone, 3,000 children nationwide were injured and 9,600 people in total were hurt.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the 4 deaths caused by fireworks last year, were by illegal devices.

"We're following all the fire codes in Rhode Island."

It's recommended you buy your fireworks from a vendor that has a permit from the town or city they are selling in and you ask to see it.

That way you can be assured they've also gone through rigorous inspections by the fire department to make sure what they're selling is legal.

"The only fireworks that can be sold in Rhode Island are ground based sparklers, safe and sane, the man amount of powder is 500 grams," said Melissa Goduti of TNT Fireworks.

You also want to avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because it is often a sign that they were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to you.