Firework Safety

Before:

• Before buying or using fireworks, check they are legal in your area.
• Purchase all fireworks from a reliable, licensed dealer in your state.
• Never buy or use illegal explosives like cherry bombs, M-80’s or dynamite.
• Read all firework directions, cautions, labels and warnings.
• Do not under any circumstances alter any fireworks or try to make your own.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing around fireworks or anything flammable.
• Consider weather conditions. Do not attempt to light fireworks during high winds.
• In case of stray flames or sparks, always keep a water source near, such as a garden hose, fire extinguisher or bucket of water.
• Make sure all spectators are at a safe distance (at least several feet away) from the fireworks display.
• Before festivities and loud noises begin, secure all pets indoors. Turn on the television or music, as this may help to distract them from the fireworks.

During:

• Never allow children to play near or with fireworks. Consider giving them safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers. Read more about Firework Safety Tips for Parents.
• Always light fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from people, buildings, vehicles, shrubbery and any overhead obstructions.
• Always light fireworks on a flat, hard surface to insure an upright position. Avoid grass, gravel and sand.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid injury or burns.
• Always point and aim fireworks away from homes, people and animals.
• At any time, never stand or lean directly over any fireworks.
• Do not shoot off fireworks (such as bottle rockets) from your hands, or from metal or glass containers.
• Only light one firework item at a time.
• If at night, use a flashlight to see the fuse better.
• While lighting, keep as far from the fireworks as possible and quickly run to a safe distance after ignition.
• Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency, injury or fire.

After:

• Never pick up or try to re-light “duds” or defective fireworks that may not have fully ignited.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse them with water from a hose or bucket.
• Safely dispose of fireworks in a sealed metal trash container, then keep outdoors.