Fireworks are as much a part of the Fourth of July as Old Glory and Uncle Sam. The problem is they can also damage property and hurt people if used inattentively or through blatant disregard for safety.

That’s why local fire departments and government officials this week issued their annual pleas for Independence Day revelers to use good judgment and follow the rules for personal discharging of fireworks.

Officials at Fire District 37, which serves Covington, strongly suggested that people get their kicks instead from professional fireworks shows, such as the ones planned for Lake Meridian Park and Lake Wilderness Park. As Maple Valley city manager Anthony Hemstad put it, such community events are “a great way to enjoy fireworks without having to set off too many private ones.”

Maple Valley and Covington allow personal fireworks, but only from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4. Whether people obey the limits is another matter – one for local law enforcement to keep on top of as much as possible.

Statewide in the last six years, more than 6,000 fireworks-related emergencies were reported to the state fire marshal. Nearly 36 percent of injuries in those incidents were suffered by children 14 and under, which indicates a lack of adult supervision – or, if there was some, the kind that left a lot to be desired.

The best fireworks safety tip is to avoid lighting them at all. But if you do, remember:

• Have water nearby and put pets indoors.

• Only adults should light fireworks.

• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

• Use fireworks away from homes, dry grass and trees.

• Never try to re-light malfunctioning fireworks.

• Don’t throw or point fireworks at another person.

• Don’t try to make your own fireworks.

• Clean up fireworks debris.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

In other words, be smart. And careful.