Fireworks

  • A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities.
  • Never give fireworks to young children.
  • Always purchase fireworks from reliable sources.
  • Follow label directions carefully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
  • Light them one at a time, and then move back quickly.
  • Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
  • Observe local laws and use common sense.
  • Before firing a display, a few elementary precautions should be taken in order that the rules of fireworks safety are maintained.
  • Read the printed instructions on each piece and plan the order of firing.
  • Keep in mind that the firing location should be cleared of overhead obstructions, trees, or wiring.
  • One person should be in charge of the display.
  • Remember that your children are always fascinated by fireworks and make a good audience, but they should not participate in the actual firing of the pieces. Older children should be taught to participate under adult supervision.
  • With the single exception of sparklers, no firework is designed to be held in the hand when lighted.
  • Use buckets, boxes of sand or a wheelbarrow filled with earth as your firing base.
  • Items such as Roman Candles, and other long pieces should be buried to half their length and inclined at a 10 degree angle directed away from spectators.
  • If containers are not available, dig holes in the ground deep enough to bury the fireworks to half their length. Stamp the ground firmly around each piece before firing.
  • Put a few gallons of water in a large container, such as a metal garbage can, for disposal of used firework pieces. Keep a garden hose available to sprinkle used fireworks.
  • In the unlikely event that a piece does not go off, do not attempt to re-light it. Dispose of it in the water container.