Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks are illegal in many areas. Before using fireworks at your home make sure that it is legal to do so.

Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby while using fireworks. Hot sparks can fly and land on bushes or grass and catch them on fire. Use the hose or water to carefully extinguish the flame.

Never let young children handle fireworks – even the hand held sparklers. The risk for getting burnt is higher because children are not always aware of their hair or loose clothing.

Only the person who is lighting the firework should stand close to it, everyone else should stand a safe distance back. This person should also be wearing safety goggles to protect their eyes.

The best way to keep yourself safe with fireworks is to not use them at all. Attend a large show done by professionals for the holidays. Not only is it safer, it is far grander and spectacular then anything you could do at home.

Never drink alcohol while using fireworks. You need to have your full attention on what you are doing, and alcohol will not allow that to happen.

If you have a firework that does not light or is a “dud”, do not try to re-light it.

Point all fireworks away from homes, people, trees, and animals when lighting. There is already a risk that the firework will backfire or turn and head towards one of these, don’t increase the chance by purposely pointing it towards them.

Making your own fireworks, or even combining two fireworks, is an invitation for a disaster. Don’t do it. Use only manufactured fireworks and shoot them off one at a time.

Light the fireworks on a flat hard surface such as a driveway. If you are in a grassy area, lay a board down to give you a hard level surface.

Make sure that you light fireworks in a open area. Most fireworks will travel short distances from where they are lit and you don't want them landing on your roof, on a neighbors house or in any grass / brush that might light on fire.

While it is illegal to set fireworks off in many states, there are also a number of states that have a loophole that will allow the sale of fireworks but not allow the discharge of them, and many fireworks dealers exploit this loophole with massive discount outlet stores. Make sure that you know how the law reads in your state and don't find yourself getting caught in this trap.