NATCHEZ — The Fourth of July is Thursday and fireworks are sure to be a part of the celebrations between now and then.

Of course, the Vidalia Beautification Committee is sponsoring a free professional fireworks show that will begin after dark on Thursday and will be visible from both sides of the Mississippi River.

Many revelers, however, prefer to take fireworks into their own hands.

Natchez Fire Chief Ventris Green said the Natchez Fire Department would be standing by in case of any fireworks-related emergencies.

Green advises people to use caution when shooting fireworks and reminds the public that a Natchez City ordinance forbid shooting fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital, public school or industrial site and within 200 feet of any commercial building.

Green said the ordinance also forbids shooting private fireworks on city property, including the bluff, city streets and municipal parks, without a permit.

For people who choose to shoot their own fireworks, Green offered the following advice.

“Never aim at any type of house, dry leaves or people, and never relight one that did not go off the first time,” Green said. “Wait at least 20 minutes before trying to retrieve it and then put water on it.”

Green also advised parents to supervise children.

“Pay attention to what their children are doing,” Green said, adding that people should read instructions included with any fireworks they purchase. “Make sure you have a bucket of water in case something happens. Generally, we haven’t had a problem in the city.”

Green, however, cautioned people shooting fireworks in the county to be wary of any dry brush that could be ignited by fireworks.

The International Association of Firefighters reports that 10,000 people in the U.S. and Canada are injured by fireworks each year and more than 35% percent of those injured are children under the age of 15.

The IAFF offers the following fireworks safety information:

Only buy fireworks from a licensed seller (not from someone on the street or from someone’s house)

• Read and follow the directions on the fireworks before lighting them
• Have water handy in case of an emergency
• Only use fireworks in an open, outdoor area
• Light the fireworks on a hard surface and be cautious of any wind
• Have a designated person to set off the fireworks who avoids alcohol and does not wear loose clothing
• Make sure that the designated person wears safety goggles and close-toed shoes
• Do not alter or combine fireworks
• Aim the firework away from houses, dry leaves, flammable materials and people
• Never extend a body part over the device
• Light one firework at a time
• Never relight a “dud” firework
• Wait 20 minutes after setting off the firework to approach it and then soak it in water