Fireworks Safety Tips

  • Jun 20, 2007

Everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly in the festive Fourth of July season. But some fireworks can be dangerous. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy fireworks from an individual's house, or from someone on the street. Such fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that can seriously injure you.

Consumer fireworks regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are packaged in bright colors and have safety warnings on the packaging. The packaging sets forth the country of origin, which is normally China. Typical consumer fireworks include fountains, cones, sparklers, fire crackers, bottle rockets and multiple tube products.

Illegal explosives are often unpackaged and are wrapped with plain brown paper. They are very unlikely to have any safety warnings or place of manufacture. Many of them are handmade in basements or illicit factories. They go by names such as M80, Quarter Stick or Cherry Bomb. If someone approaches you to sell one of these illegal explosives, politely decline and then call your local police department.

The National Council urges consumers to follow these other important safety tips:

  • Only use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  • Children under age 16 should only use fireworks with adult supervision.
  • Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, nearby.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Parents should pay special attention to children using sparkers. Sparklers reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Children should not touch the lit portion of sparklers, throw them or play games with them. Sparklers can be dangerous, if used improperly.

"Many times consumers don't prepare for the evening's fireworks display," said Ralph Apel, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. "The designated shooter should prepare a shooting area, assess how many people will be watching the display and lay out a spectator area that is far enough away from the shooting site. The shooter should carefully read the label of each firework and understand exactly what it will do. Preplanning makes for a safe and fun backyard fireworks display."

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