Here are a few quick safety tips to protect you and your loved ones when using fireworks.
Children should not handle fireworks
Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only adults should handle and light the fireworks. The fireworks are great family fun, but they burn hot and should be handled by adults.
Follow the laws
Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks. Read all directions, cautions, labels, and warnings on each individual firework item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with the use of the item.
Use a clear open area
Keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site. Always light your fireworks in a clear open area away from buildings and vehicles. (A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground-based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended.) You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire. Never use fireworks indoors.
Use care in lighting the fireworks
Always light firework products with punk, a flare or an extended butane lighting device. This will enable you to keep as far from the product as possible. If needed, use a lantern or other flame-producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the firework product and get away.
Don’t use malfunctioning items
Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any “dud” firework. If an item fails to ignite, let it sit for at least five minutes, then immerse it in water.
Windy Conditions
Be cautious of lighting any aerial firework during strong wind conditions. The firework should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. If there is a significant wind shift during the time you are lighting the firework, the shooting site should be rearranged.
Never use fireworks as weapons
Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
Use fireworks Outdoors
Never use fireworks indoors; only use them outdoors
Purchase fireworks from reliable dealers
Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Licensed and reliable dealers will carry only those products that meet standards enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Do not try to make your own fireworks.
Use fireworks on a hard surface
Always light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable for any aerial items. (If lighting on grass, lay down a flat wooden board for a shooting surface.)
Keep clear of the fireworks
Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any firework product. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far away form the firework item as possible when lighting.
One at a time
Light only one firework item at a time.
Have water close by
Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
Use care in handling fireworks
Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Never smoke when handling fireworks.
Storage of fireworks
Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place; and dispose of fireworks properly.
Safety glasses
Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.
Be careful with animals
The noise of the fireworks often frighten some animals, so it is very important that you are careful with pets and farm animals. You may want to consider moving them away from your display area or keeping them indoors during your display. Handle your pets and animals accordingly.
