Take extra care at your Fourth of July celebration to ensure that accidents do not interfere with holiday fun. Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips for barbecues and fireworks: If you are planning to barbecue: -- If you're using a propane gas grill, inspect your propane tank and hoses for leaks, dents, cracks or corrosion. -- Always light the match before turning on the propane gas. -- Never use your grill indoors or under any structures that may catch fire, such as patio covers. -- Never smoke cigarettes or use matches or lighters near the grill. -- If you're using a charcoal grill, use water to make sure that coals are extinguished and be careful never to dispose of briquettes that are still hot. -- Avoid loose clothing while grilling, especially long sleeves. -- Parental supervision is essential -- keep all children away from the grill. Fireworks add festivity to a Fourth of July celebration, but a public fireworks display is safer and more dazzling than trying to do it yourself. Keep in mind that: -- Fireworks and sparklers should be handled by trained professionals. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees! -- Stay at least 500 feet away from the display. -- Remind children that if they find used fireworks or sparklers -- do not touch! --

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