If your Fourth of July plans include a homegrown fireworks display, police are urging you to think again. They?re reminding the public that all fireworks are illegal and that possession of more than $50 worth means possible criminal charges.

Acting on warnings by safety experts ?last year alone there were more than 11,000 fireworks-related injuries ? police are advising parents to keep their kids away from firecrackers and sparklers, which police say act like welding rods that can cause third-degree burns. Almost half of all fireworks-related injuries in children under five have been traced to sparklers.

Should your neighbor?s display get out of hand, police say they?ll be on alert for complaints and will investigate illegal displays.

Safety experts say the safest way to watch the skies light up is to attend a professional display.