Forty-nine of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia allow legal “consumer” fireworks for the Fourth of July. The definition of consumer fireworks varies from state to state, but can include everything from cone fountains to roman candles to multiple tube “cake” devices to sparklers.
If your state does allow fireworks, remember that even legal fireworks can cause injury if they’re not used properly. Consider the following tips when planning your Independence Day fireworks fun:
Recommended Safety Tips
Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!
Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Responsibility:
Neighbours should be informed of your display, well in advance, particularly if there are any young children, elderly, pets or animals in the vicinity of the proposed display site. Fire extinguishers, buckets of sand and water, should be available on the night with marshals trained to use them. First Aid Kits should be available
Lighting Fireworks:
Always read the instructions on each firework carefully, well before the event. Fireworks should be stored in a sealed container away from the Firing Site and only taken out as required. On the night it is advisable to wear gloves, ear, head and eye protection. Avoid loose or unbuttoned clothing. Preferably use overalls of a non-inflammable material. An electric torch, claw hammer, roll of tape, and pliers will be useful.
When unpacking the fireworks keep away from naked flames, and inflammable material. Never smoke when handling or lighting fireworks. Always light fireworks at arm’s length, and under no circumstances lean over a firework. Never go back to a firework if it fails to ignite.
Set Pieces and Wheels:
These should be fixed to a frame or post, the higher the better, as they cascade to the ground.
Candles, Cakes, Fountains and Mines:
Insert in soft ground or secure to a stake which has been sunk into the ground) as directed by the firework's warning label. Make sure that the firework cannot fall over, and that there are no overhanging trees or cables obscuring the path of the firework.
Rockets:
Rockets Should be launched from a rocket launcher angled so that the stick and head fall into the fall out area directly away from the spectators and any obstructions, place the rocket launchers at the back of the set up area. Make sure the rocket launcher is secure and cannot fall over, and the rocket is free to rise. Prior to lighting the rocket remove the orange plastic fuse cover by gently pulling it down, then straighten the fuse, light and retire.
Rain:
Be prepared for rain. Plastic bags, bin liners and cling film, can be used on most fireworks to great effect against the weather. Cakes and barrages will fire through a single thin layer of plastic.
Spectators:
It is important to make sure the spectators are well catered for. The area designated to them must be clearly marked, roped off and marshaled. Make sure that it is large enough. Overcrowding can be dangerous.
After the display: Check the site for fireworks that have failed to ignite. Carefully submerge them in water. Never put used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire. Please note some rocket motors are made of aluminum which may leave sharp pieces of debris. Ensure the site is cleared of all debris and rubbish.