Officials share fireworks safety tips [Video]

(WFSB) – Food and of course fireworks will be at most gatherings for the Fourth of July on Thursday.

While the light show is entertaining, they can be dangerous if safety measures are not followed.

Senator Richard Blumenthal and fire officials gathered in West Hartford to share firework safety tips.

An annual bill will keep fire protection a priority after Independence Day.

“Even if they are legal, they may be a tragedy waiting to happen,” Blumenthal said. “In Connecticut last year a 16 y-year-old young woman was hit in the chest with a firework.”

Across the nation 9,700 firework-related injuries were reported last year.

Fire officials demonstrated the proper use of fireworks on Wednesday.

During the firework demonstration these cones, roughly 15 ft apart and 25 ft from this building, show the distance you want when a firework is lit.

“All fireworks and novelty items are illegal including party poppers, …