Fireworks Injury Victim Shares Photos Of Injuries

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- Fair warning folks.

Don't look at this post if you're eating.

Michael Spencer, a fireworks injury victim, asked DC Fire & EMS to share photos of his injuries related to a fireworks accident.

Spencer had placed a mortar above his head with a shell exploding inside rather than flying into the air.

"Lesson here.... please, leave the fireworks to the professionals," DC Fire tweeted.

On Tuesday night, a 21-year-old in Anne Arundel County suffered "catastrophic" injuries to both hands after he was a lit mortar into a mortar tube in his other hand.

RELATED: Man Severely Injured By Illegal Fireworks

Here are some fireworks safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let's not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don't bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

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• July 4th