ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Fourth of July is Wednesday and many people will be celebrating by watching a fireworks show or setting off their own.
- Expert urges fireworks saftey ahead of July 4
- Watch a professional fireworks show instead of setting off your own, says former chief
- If using own firework,s wear protective eyewear, gloves
- RELATED: Fourth of July events in Central Florida
Ahead of the holiday, fireworks stands have been set up around Central Florida.
Daniel Flemming, a retired district chief with Orlando Fire, said he does not recommend using fireworks on your own. Flemming said they can be very dangerous and recommends going to a professional show. But if you do use your own, he has some safety suggestions.
First is to wear protective eyewear and gloves, he urged.
"These sparks will burn you, so be careful with that," Flemming said.
"As soon as it lights up, I step out the way," he added, while lighting another firework.
Afterwards, he recommends disposes of the fireworks.
"Pick it up and I put it in water and make sure it's submerged in the water. I am going to go ahead and leave this overnight," he said.
There are several professional fireworks shows around Central Florida. In Altamonte Springs, officials are gearing up for their Red, Hot and Boom on July 3.
"We expect about 175,000 people to attend the event," Altamonte Springs Police Department spokeswoman Evelyn Estevez said. "You have some great performances and coming in and having a good time."
The event runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with fireworks set to go off at 9:30 p.m.