Safety Tips:
Fireworks are a means of celebration; an American tradition dating back to the very first Independence Day. They can add that something special to any gathering, but they must be used in a safe and respectful manner. As a family-owned business we want nothing more than to help you and your loved ones celebrate safely.
With that in mind, we've put together the following list of safety tips. These tips are compiled from those offered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Council on Firework Safety (NCFS), general industry standards, and the experience we've gathered over the years.
Children should not handle fireworks. Only adults should be allowed to handle and light fireworks. Never allow children to handle, light, or play with fireworks. Even teens 18 or older should only use fireworks under close adult supervision. Fireworks are a wonderful source of family fun, but keep in mind that even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.
Always follow the law. Obey all local, state, and federal laws regarding the use and possession of fireworks, and exercise common sense and good judgment. If you are unsure of local laws, contact your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). The local AHJ may be the fire chief, township chairperson, etc. It is also important that you understand the intended use and possible hazards associated with each firework, so be sure to read and follow all labels, cautions, directions, and warnings. If you have questions about how to use a specific firework, call your retailer.
Alcohol and fireworks DO NOT mix. Any use of fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the possibility of misuse and/or injury to yourself and others. Please do not consume alcohol or drugs, while handling or lighting fireworks. Fireworks must only be used by responsible, respectful adults who are not under the influence of any mood altering substance.
Use fireworks outside on a hard surface in a clear and open area. Never use fireworks indoors. Always use fireworks outside and make sure there are no flammable materials, buildings, trees or other obstructions nearby (remember to check above as well as to the sides). It is also important that fireworks be placed on a hard, flat, and level surface to insure their stability. Never discharge fireworks inside a barrel, metal or glass container, or home- made tube.
Be aware of your audience and respectful of those close by. Always make sure the audience and any other living beings are a safe distance away prior to discharging the fireworks. This also means making sure the wind conditions are right; either no breeze at all or a very light breeze blowing away from the audience. Do not discharge fireworks if there are high and/or shifting winds. Another good idea is to have earplugs on hand and make sure young children are wearing ear protection. Let neighbors know that you are planning a fireworks display beforehand and be respectful of pets and farm animals too. You may want to keep pets indoors during a fireworks display as some animals are frightened by the noise of fireworks or get excited and rush in towards the firework.
Never place any portion of your body directly over a firework when lighting. Any pyrotechnician worth his or her salt will tell you that the first rule of fireworks is, "Never put anything you aren't willing to lose over a firework." Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product, never look into a firework to check on that firework item, and never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
Use care when lighting fireworks. When lighting a firework, always keep your body as far away as possible. We recommend using punk or extended an butane lighting device. Also, we strongly suggest that the person lighting the fireworks wears eye protection. Only light one fireworks item at a time and once the firework is lit, move away as quickly as is safely possible. If you are having trouble locating the fuse after dark, we recommend the use of headlamp to help locate the fuse before lighting. Do not use a flame producing device for illumination near fireworks.
Use care in handling fireworks. Never carry fireworks in your pocket and never smoke around fireworks. Be careful when handling fireworks to ensure they will not be dropped and remember to place unused fireworks in an area where there is no risk of them being prematurely ignited. If the fireworks must be stored, make sure to place them in a cool dry place to ensure longevity. Always dispose of fireworks properly.
Do not use dud's. A dud is the common term for a malfunctioning firework. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Let it stand for, at least, 20 minutes, then immerse it in water.
Always have a Designated Fireperson. Before lighting any firework, always designate one person as the fireperson whose only job will be to stay alert and ready in case of emergency. This will mean that they will not be able to focus on the display, but safety must come first. This person should be in charge of ensuring there is a source of water (ideally a hose and full bucket) and/or fire extinguisher nearby. This fireperson should also be made aware that fireworks make their own oxygen and they cannot be made to stop discharging once they have been lit.
Never use fireworks as weapons. Never throw, point or aim fireworks at any living being or property.
Purchase fireworks from reliable dealers who are available year-round. Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed, and insured fireworks dealers. By purchasing from these types of dealers, you can be sure that their products meet or exceed the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. You can also be sure that they are familiar with and truly care about the products they are selling. And remember, if you buy from temporary tents or stands they will not be there after the 4th should you need to revisit them, you cannot call them with questions, and fireworks safety and knowledge is not their full-time job.
Do not try to make your own firework or attempt to obtain illegal explosive devices. Never attempt to modify, construct, or make your own fireworks (unless you are a licensed and insured pyrotechnician). Homemade devices are extremely dangerous and are considered illegal explosive devices. Overloaded products are also illegal. Items such as M-80's and Cherry Bombs have been illegal since 1966. THEY ARE NOT FIREWORKS; they are extremely dangerous, illegal explosive devices. Please do not purchase overloaded products or try to make your own fireworks; you are just ruining it for those of us who truly love fireworks and who enjoy them safely and responsibly.
Do not take fireworks on airplanes. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) it is a violation of federal law to transport fireworks on airplanes. Do not take fireworks on airplanes.
These are more generalized tips. If you would like safety tips specific to the fireworks we sell, give us a call or stop in at any of our showrooms.
Classification:
Consumer Fireworks are officially referred to as UN0336 1.4G consumer fireworks. They used to be referred to as Class C or common fireworks.
Testing:
All of our fireworks and products are tested to ensure that they meet or exceed the standards established by the CPSC and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
We are members of, and all of our products are tested by, American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL), whose testing standards meet or exceed those of the CPSC. AFSL was created by the fireworks industry to develop standards that would improve performance and safety of consumer fireworks and they're only one of many, many labs and agencies that test and regulate fireworks.
All this testing is meant to ensure that the items are as safe as possible when used correctly. For example, each item must go through a thermal stability test. This test was created to ensure that fireworks will not ignite from heat alone (i.e. in the trunk of a hot car, etc), but that flame must be placed to fuse in order for the item to ignite. In this test an item is placed in a 167 degree oven for 48 hours. If it ignites from the heat, it fails. Another example is the tilt test. In this test, an item is placed on a 60 degree slope and then ignited. If the item falls over, it fails. They even test the fuse burn time. If the fuse burns too quickly, it fails. If it takes too long to burn, it fails. As you can see consumer fireworks are heavily regulated to ensure that they are as safe and user friendly as possible.
Safety Links:
- American Fireworks Standards Laboratory
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Department of Transportation
- Federal Aviation Administration
- National Council on Fireworks Safety
- National Safety Council