YOUNGSTOWN — These safety tips can help people set off backyard fireworks responsibly this Independence Day weekend.

Youngstown-based Phantom Fireworks, one of the top fireworks retailers in the nation, is encouraging users to watch where fireworks are being aimed.

Also, don’t set off fireworks too late in the evening. Place fireworks at a safe distance from others and in a good safe location, and be mindful of neighbors when setting off fireworks, Phantom advises.

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal, each year fireworks cause thousands of injuries and sometimes death.

State Fire Marshal spokesman Andy Ellinger said: “In Ohio, 163 fireworks-caused fire incidents have occurred since 2022, with 33 of those incidents resulting in building fires totaling nearly $750,000 in damages.”

Still, Phantom Fireworks noted that “fireworks usage increased 69 percent since 2019 and injuries decreased by 39 percent.” Phantom said it would like to see the rate of injuries continue to drop.

To keep the injury rate low, Phantom encourages fireworks users to follow these guidelines when hosting an event in your backyard:

•   Set up fireworks on hard, flat surfaces to ensure stability. This is particularly important when using the taller items that produce a thrust upon ignition.

•   Brace your fireworks with a brick of cinder block to ensure stability, and ensure it doesn’t tip over during ignition. Place the block on the side facing away from the audience so if it does tip over, it will tip in the opposite direction.

•   Keep a safe distance between the launch site and spectators. Phantom Fireworks recommends a minimum distance of 150 feet from aerial items and a distance of 35 to 40 feet from items or people on the ground. After lighting the firework, run away before it ignites.

•   Have water ready in case of a firework mishap, so that you can douse the firework after it finishes functioning. A hose is recommended, but a fire extinguisher or bucket of water also would work.

•   Make sure you are sober when lighting off fireworks. Impairment increases the possibility of misuse and injury to yourself or others.

•   Keep children away from fireworks. Children shouldn’t play with, touch or light fireworks.

•   Consider weather conditions. If it’s windy, make sure the wind is blowing away from spectators before lighting fireworks.

•   Use safety gear when lighting fireworks, such as safety glasses and gloves.

•   Keep pets inside when lighting fireworks.

According to the Ohio State Fire Marshal, fireworks can be lit today, Tuesday and Wednesday between 4 and 11 p.m. Residents of Ohio legally can discharge 1.4G fireworks unless banned in their local area.