As fireworks begin lighting up the sky and boats hit the water this Fourth of July, officials warn citizens, if these activities are not exercised properly, they can be dangerous.

Fireworks-related accidents sent 9,500 people to emergency rooms in the United States in 2001, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Web site, www.cdc.gov/ncipc. Children 14 years old and younger are most likely to be hurt in fireworks-related incidents, according to the Web site.

“Use good, common sense when using fireworks,” said Gene Deisinger, captain of the ISU Police Department. “People who are drinking, we urge them not to use fireworks.”

While using fireworks, be aware of dry conditions, nearby crowds and do not use illegal fireworks, Deisinger said.

In the state of Iowa, it is not illegal to possess fireworks, but it is illegal to use them, said Randy Cassel, Patrol Commander of the Ames Police Department.

Some cities in Iowa, not including Ames, have municipal codes against having fireworks, however.

“Just sparklers, snakes and caps are legal in the state of Iowa,” he said.

Cassel said not to use illegal fireworks, especially irresponsibly.

“Don’t hold onto them, or point them at people. We’ve seen that before,” he said. “Don’t discharge them while driving a vehicle. We’ve stopped people doing that, too.”

Lynda Nutt, manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Water Safety Program, warns not to take fireworks onto a boat.

“Enjoy the community fireworks instead of taking fireworks on the boat,” she said.

People should also be advised not to consume alcohol while operating boats, Nutt said.

“Don’t drink and boat, especially when fireworks are around,” she said. “One of the largest causes of accidental drowning is falling overboard.”

People on boats or even in the water should wear lifejackets at all times, Nutt said.

“Saying you’ll wait till you need a lifejacket to wear it is like saying I’ll wait until I get in a car accident to put on my seat belt,” she said. “Things can happen very fast on the water.”

Since about a year ago, children under the age of 13 have been required by law to wear a life jacket when on a boat, Nutt said.

Nutt said it is also important to wear sunscreen while boating and be aware of fatigue which is caused from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Take extra precautions to make sure your boat is in good running condition, be alert at all times and let a friend or family member know where you are going, she said.

“Make sure you’re not overloading a boat,” Nutt said. “You need to have a life jacket on board for every person and a throw life protector as well.”

She said that parents must always be watching children when they are in or near water.

Deisinger said this is a big weekend for fireworks and boating alike.

“We encourage people to have a good time, celebrate the holiday and be safe,” he said.