Independence Day is upon us and lots of us will celebrate by watching fireworks - or shooting off our own.

All that firepower results in thousands of injuries and a handful of fatalities each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"On average, 250 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4 holiday," the agency notes. "Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries."

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez