If you are not familiar with lighting fireworks, my suggestion is that you leave it up to the professionals. Each July 4th holiday there are several places in the Chicagoland area where you can take the family and enjoy a professional fireworks display.
If fireworks are legal where you live, the best way to protect your family is by NEVER using any fireworks at home. ALWAYS closely supervise children around fireworks at all times. Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks, and never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
When using fireworks make sure they are pointed in the direction away from homes, and stay away from brush, leaves and flammable substances. Always make sure you stand several feet away from fireworks that are lit. If a firework doesn't ignite, put it out with water and properly dispose of it. Always have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure you know how to operate the fire extinguisher before using it. If anybody gets injured by fireworks, stop what you're doing and go to a doctor or hospital. Eye injuries are common when using fireworks, it is important that the infected area is not rubbed and a doctor is seen immediately.