NORFOLK, Neb. -- After millions of Americans lit up the night sky with fireworks on July Fourth, celebrating the nation's independence, now comes the time for clean up and storing for the coming years. 

Safely disposing of fireworks can protect people and the community from sudden fires, if left to smolder, in sometimes as quick as a few hours. 

Norfolk Fire Marshal Sean Lindgren notes that just because a used firework may seem inactive, does not mean that it is. 

"A lot of the products have a lot of cardboard and paper that are part of the firework and sometimes the inside of that can still be burning when it doesn't really look like it," Lindgren said. 

Within 24 hours of use, all fireworks should be submerged in water and stay under until the entire content is doused before disposing in a normal trash bin. 

Although for those left unused, Lindgren said safe storage is key. 

"Keeping them in a dry, cool place, storing them out of reach of children, you know secured some place where somebody that's not supposed to will get to them," Lindgren said. "If you're looking to get rid of them and not want them anymore, you can always bring them to us here at the fire division."

In case a firework catches fire or reignites, no matter how small or large, Lindgren urges citizens to contact authorities before engaging and to remember to keep all activities under adult supervision.