Fireworks Safety
Fireworks safety is very important for more reasons than just yourself. Injuring yourself is always a possibility and the risk to others is also there. Protecting everyone including yourself will result in a safer, more enjoyable show. Fireworks are a privilege and not a right so don't loose that privilege for you or others. Be safe and enjoy the show.
Only buy from legal reliable source. Know what is legal in your area and stick to that. Unsure of where or what to buy talk to your fire marshal.
Only use fireworks under adult supervision. Fireworks are not toys and should never be treated as such even by adults. The danger of injury to yourself and others should be deterrent enough. Losing someones life or limb is not worth the risk at any time.
Drugs and Alcohol do not mix with fireworks. Good Judgment is needed in the event of an emergency and drugs and alcohol do not improve those characteristics.
Read the labels and know what the effect will be. You do not want the effect pointed at the crowd that came to watch your show.
Keep a safe distance from the spectators. 75 Feet of distance between you and the crowd will help keep everyone safe from the dangers involved.
Prior to the day of your show store all fireworks and a cool dry location. Moisture and Heat can damage your fireworks so prevent any damage to them by properly storing them. When using your fireworks store them in either a wooden or cardboard box 75 feet from your show to prevent stray spark from igniting them prematurely.
Fireworks should only be used in a open area no close than 50 feet to any building or dry grass. Other easily ignitable object should be removed or a new location should be chosen.
Do not stand over your fireworks when lighting it. Crouch down at arms reach and then reach in to light your fireworks.
Brace your Aerial repeaters to prevent them from tipping over when firing. It would be very bad to have a repeater tip over and fire at you or your spectators.
Light the fuse and get to a safe location. In the event that something goes wrong you don't want to be standing there when it does.
Bring a flashlight to your night show so you will be able to find the fuse and open any packages as needed. The Flashlight also comes in handy when the fireworks has been lit so you may reach a safe distance without tripping in the dark.
Never hold and light the fireworks. Never throw fireworks at someone. This goes with fireworks is not a Toy. Firecrackers can explode in your hand; in the case that the fuse burns faster than expected. The powder in other fireworks can be jostled free during shipping causing unexpected behavior.
Never modify fireworks. It is a bad idea and something bad is bound to happen.
Never attempt to relight a dud. At some point it is likely the fuse maybe be bad but never attempt to light a failed firework. Wait five minutes and douse in water. Sometimes the fuse will smolder and the fireworks could at any moment fire. This hang-fire as it is called is dangerous since at anytime the fuse could begin to burn at its normal rate and fire the fireworks as you approach it. Wait at least ten minutes before approaching the fireworks and douse with water.
Have water ready at all times. In the event of a dud or hang-fire water will be needed. If the fireworks sparks and set something ablaze you will be able to safely extinguish the fire. Always have more than one bucket of water and super-soakers are another good tool. They have really long reach and carry a decent amount of water.
Never put or store fireworks in metal, glass or PVC containers. In the event that the fireworks explodes these object will create dangerous amounts of shrapnel.
Don't carry fireworks in your pocket as movement can create static charge build up. One discharge is all that is takes to light the fuse in your pocket leaving you in a world of hurt.
Fireworks that are properly stored keep for a long time. A dry cool location can keep your fireworks safe for a longtime. Never use fireworks that is old if it has been improperly stored. Moisture and Heat can damage your fireworks in storage.
When your show is over clean up. Leave the area just as it was before the show. Residue can injure children and pets. Unburnt powder can create a fire hazard if left instead of cleaning it up.