Every year, thousands of people land in emergency rooms as a result of mishaps related to fireworks. More than half of these injuries are suffered by children younger than 15.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that in 2005, 10,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks injuries, mostly to the eyes, face and hands, and almost half of those injuries were suffered by children younger than 15.

Fireworks also cause fires: There were an estimated 32,300 fires per year from 2000 to 2004, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

For a safe Fourth of July, Consumer Reports recommends letting professionals handle the explosives. There are obvious problems that result from carelessness, but even the most careful can face mishaps resulting from unpredictable occurrences such as faulty firecrackers, premature or delayed explosions, errant flight paths and unexpected wind gusts.

Consumer Reports lists 15 safety tips at its Web site, www.consumerreports.org. Here are the top five: