AUGUSTA, Ga. - For many families fireworks are a tradition on the Fourth of July, but there are some things you need to do to make sure your celebration is a safe one.

Chief Danny Kuhlmann with Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue showed NBC Augusta 26 News the proper safety precautions you should take when lighting fireworks.

“Make sure you have a hose or a bucket of water to put the package in after it's been detonated,” said Kuhlmann.

Next, read the directions on each package. Then, place the fireworks on the ground.

“Once we light it, back away quickly,” said Kuhlmann.

You want to be twice as far as the length of the sparks. Chief Kulmann recommends lighting fireworks on your driveway, far away from grass and wood areas.

Once the sparks have stopped, remember to wait 20 minutes before touching the package, just in case sparks are still left over.

Experts say when lighting sparklers remember to wear a leather glove to protect your hands. The temperatures of the sparks can reach more than 1,800 degrees.

Before you buy fireworks, be sure they're legal. Firecrackers, skyrockets cherry bombs and any fireworks that shower or go up in the air are not legal in Georgia.

You can light up sparklers and any grounded fireworks in Georgia.

Across the river, in South Carolina all fireworks are legal.