The 4th of July is right around the corner, and the night skies will be filled with fireworks.

Safety watchdogs are urging you to leave the displays to the experts.

Action News reporter Gabe Osterhout shows us why.

This will be a familiar sight this weekend, as people celebrate the 4th of July.

While fireworks can be entertaining, they can also be dangerous.

Last year, 11 people were killed and more than 7 thousand injured in fireworks accidents.

"While fireworks used legally and appropriately can add to the celebration, it is all too often the case that illegal fireworks can maim bodies, can shatter lives, often much too young," says Tony West, assistant U.S. Attorney General.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hosted a demonstration to show just how dangerous fireworks can be.

That includes something as simple as a sparkler in a child's hands.

"Never ever allow children to play with or be around them unsupervised. Adults should always use caution when setting fireworks off," says CPSC chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

If you are celebrating with fireworks, you're advised to

Never buy fireworks in brown paper packaging.

Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework you are lighting.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that didn't function properly.

And keep a bucket of water or a hose handy, in case of fire.

"We want Americans to be able to celebrate this holiday safely, appropriately. We want people to have fun and we want people not to be hurt. That's the message," West says.

The CPSC says it's not telling not to enjoy fireworks on the 4th.

But they're urging you to leave the dangerous work to the professionals.

Gabe Osterhout, WBNG-TV Action News.

According to the CPSC, 70 percent of all fireworks related injuries occur between June 20th and July 20th.

Remember, in New York it is illegal to own and shoot off personal fireworks.

In Pennsylvania, only people who have a permit can buy a fireworks stores.