A few days from now, Scotland County residents will commemorate our nation's independence from Great Britain.

For many of us, Fourth of July celebrations mean backyard barbecues, concerts, patriotic parades, and most certainly fireworks.

On Friday, the town of Maxton will hold its annual 4th of July Celebration at Beacham Park, off South Austin Street, between 4 and 9 p.m.

The next day Scotland County and Laurinburg officials will put on a joint fireworks display on July 3 instead of July 4 as Independence Day falls on a Sunday.

Laurinburg and Scotland County will hold the fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. at Pate Stadium. Gates open at 8 p.m.

We hope you have a chance to take in both programs. In the past, these displays have been both bountiful and beautiful.

In fact, we wish people would leave all firework displays to the experts.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2008 about 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country for fireworks-related injuries.

Of those, 32 percent suffered injuries from sparklers, fountains or novelty fireworks.

The risk of injury was highest for teens ages 15-19 and children ages 5-9.

Studies show a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. To put that into perspective, glass melts at 900 degrees, and water boils at 212 degrees.

North Carolina toughened its safety regulations for fireworks this past February after last year’s tragic Fourth of July fireworks explosion on Ocracoke Island that killed four operators and injured another.

Previously, the law required local jurisdictions to define a fireworks expert; this law sets a minimum benchmark of expertise for all operators and assistants working in North Carolina.

This year, operators and assistants are required to have a state license to put on a pyrotechnic or proximate fireworks display.

Just over 350 people have completed the necessary training course, submitted an application and passed an exam to receive a three-year license through the Office of State Fire Marshal.

These new rules for professionals should be a good indicator of just how dangerous fireworks can be.

We want to you to enjoy the national holiday, but in a safe and sane manner.